All of us can stand before the throne of grace with confidence solely because of what Jesus has accomplished (Heb. 4:16). Only Jesus accurately understands the depths of our sin and wickedness, and, incredibly, He still loves us. Not only that, but wonder of wonders, knowing the brokenness and frailty of our nature, He still takes joy in using us to help others.

And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”  And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” (Matt. 26:21-22)

A Startling Disclosure

Awkward conversations have adorned the dinner table ever since Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. That being said, I am hard-pressed to think of a more awkward moment at a meal than this.

Earlier that day Jesus had told the disciples to go into the city and talk to a specific stranger to acquire a room for their Passover meal. As usual, what Jesus asked them to do proved perfectly successful. Rejoicing in this unique provision, the disciples settled in and began enjoying their meal together, likely discussing, once again, the wonders of what Jesus had done. And then, with a few words, Jesus changed everything:

“Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”

The Timing and the Statement

Silence. I don’t know how long, but I imagine it felt like an eternity. I mean, how do you respond to such a statement?

Also, why did Jesus choose this moment to disclose the darkness that was present and coming? It feels oddly timed. I can only guess how befuddled the disciples felt upon first hearing these words. Their merriment was quickly eclipsed by the thought that one of them dining at the table who had seen all of Jesus’ miracles, suffered with Jesus in ministry, and laughed together with the disciples over the last three years was going to betray Him…And Jesus didn’t say who would it was. Why would Jesus do this?

Though we may not be able to answer that question in particular detail, we at least know this much: Everything Jesus did was perfectly authored in love. The timing, the words, and the intentional tension are all mysteriously rooted in His perfect love for the disciples. It certainly appears odd and mistimed, but faith reframes our view of what is happening.

The Response

Let’s consider the disciples’ response. Instead of flat out denying that they would do this (which basically happens later in Matthew 26:30-35), they instead ask a question: Is it I, Lord? Each disciple, one by one, asks Jesus if they are the betrayer.

This is shocking. Each disciple was open to the possibility that Jesus knew them better than they knew themselves—that Jesus knew better than they did the evil they were capable of doing.

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