BETRAYAL: Is it I?
As we prepare to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus, we are reminded of many sacred events in the final week of His life. We remember the Triumphal Entry on Palm Sunday (Matthew 21), Jesus clearing the Temple (Luke 19), the Mount Olivet Discourse (Mark 11), and the horror of the Crucifixion (John 18.)
But we must not forget the Last Supper, as recorded in Mark 14:17-26. This gathering was initially set to celebrate the Passover meal which was observed annually to remember Israel’s deliverance out of Egypt (Exodus 12). The people of Israel were to sprinkle the blood of a sacrificial lamb on their doorpost by midnight when the angel of death visited the area. If the blood was not there, the first-born died.
The annual commemoration of the Passover was required for all the people of Israel. The meal reminded them of God’s past provisions and looked forward to the future blessings God had for them.
The Last Supper, or the Lord’s Supper, was on the Passover evening, before Jesus was crucified on the Cross the next day. The disciples were already fearful and anxious, and full of questions. Jesus knew what was in their hearts and ministered to them as only He could.
Not only was the meal a hallowed commemoration, but it was also an opportunity for Jesus to spend some final moments with His dear friends. During the meal, Jesus shared some amazing prophecies while making two stunning announcements.
After the disciples had argued about who was the greatest, Jesus washed their feet. Then, He abruptly prophesied that “One of you will betray Me.” They were traumatized and rightfully outraged. They thought their enemies were on the outside. People like the religious leaders and government officials seemed like the ones they should fear. Instead, it was one in their inner circle.
Immediately, the disciples asked Jesus, “Master, is it I?” Interestingly, they looked into their own heart knowing that they were capable of unfaithfulness. How about you? Is it possible that you would ever be unfaithful to Christ? Do you harbor any unconfessed sin that may cause you to be disloyal? As it says in Psalm 139:23, “Search me O Lord, and know my heart!”
The second announcement that Jesus made was when He prophesied about the New Kingdom that was coming (Mark 14:25). One day soon, they would share the ultimate meal in Heaven at the "Marriage Supper of the Lamb.” (Revelation 19:6-9)
In order to provide understanding, Jesus explained that the unleavened bread represented His body, and the cup represented His blood. The Lord’s Supper was a seminal moment in the Life of Christ and remains so in the life of every Believer.
As you enter this Easter season, remember that Jesus is our sacrificial Lamb who was the only acceptable offering to cover our sins. Let there be no unfaithfulness. No betrayals.
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