Devo: Matthew 26:17-25

This is one of the most painful stories in the Bible. Jesus had His last supper with the disciples. He wanted to spend time with them before He was crucified. I read from the commentary, enduringword.com, that when Jesus said that His betrayer is the one who dipped his hand with Him in the dish, it was “not to point out a specific disciple because they all dipped with Him.”

“Instead, Jesus identified the betrayer as a friend, someone who ate at the same table with Him.”

Jesus chose all of His disciples. He called them one by one personally. The twelve disciples lived with Jesus for three years. They spoke with Him. They ate with Him. They learned from Him. They were intimate with Him. However, this story exposed the heart of Judas. His heart that was full of greed led him to betray his friend. He sold Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. It was said that that price is for the basest slave in the past. For that cheap a price, he sold the one who loves him the most. Clearly, he cared more about money than Jesus.

Another thing that struck me is when each of the disciples asked Jesus if he was the betrayer. They did not accuse one another and instead looked within themselves and sincerely inquired. It says in verse 22 that they were exceedingly sorrowful. Judas shamelessly asked as well despite going to the chief priests beforehand and agreeing to betray His Lord.

Jesus answered him plainly, “You have said it. (v.25)”

“Jesus did not say this to condemn Judas, but to call him to repentance. It is fair to assume that He said it with love in His eyes, and Jesus showed Judas that He loved him, even knowing his treachery.” enduringword.com

Jesus loved Judas so much that even after betraying Him, He still gave Judas a chance to repent by telling him that HE KNEW.

Father God in heaven, help me to love like You. Help me to love people who betray me. Help me also not to ever betray You, my God, my Father, my Savior, my Redeemer. May I never betray the one who loves me the most. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.