VII.
Today, let’s return to this passage from Matthew and after reading it once again, turn attention to the second paragraph and take notice of the remarks about betrayal.

VIII.
Matthew 26:17-30 (New Revised Standard Version)

On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where do you want us to make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is near; I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover meal.

When it was evening, he took his place with the twelve; and while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” And they became greatly distressed and began to say to him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?” He answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.” Judas, who betrayed him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” He replied, “You have said so.”

While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

IX.
Every time I return to these words about the “betrayal” of Jesus I am struck once again by this,

“ … while they were eating, [Jesus] said, ‘Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.’ And [the twelve] became greatly distressed and began to say to him one after another, ‘Surely not I, Lord?’”

Quite a thing to drop into the middle of the Passover meal. Was that the “right” place for this discussion?

I get why they “are greatly distressed.” At least, I think I do.

But why “one after another” do they ask, “Surely not I…”?

Are they distressed they are not sure of how the betrayal will happen and if they may have an unintentional part in it?

Or, maybe they are so unsure of their own standing with Jesus and their relation to his coming Kingdom, they, anyone of them, might be capable of intentionally or unintentionally betraying Jesus?

Or, maybe they are so unsure of their own souls, they want reassurance they will not be responsible?

Maybe they should be commended for their honesty in asking Jesus to look at them and tell them what he finds in their souls?

How honestly do we ask Jesus to look at us and tell us who we are?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}