Matthew 26:17–25 is a significant passage where Jesus predicts betrayal at the Last Supper, highlighting the coming events with a profound foreshadowing.
Even in moments of deep betrayal, Jesus reveals truth and offers a relationship to His followers.
📖 Matthew 26:17–25 (NASB 2020)
17 Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” 18 And He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is near; I am to keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.”‘” 19 The disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover. 20 Now when evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the twelve. 21 And as they were eating, He said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me.” 22 Being deeply grieved, they began saying to Him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” 23 And He answered, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl is the one who will betray Me. 24 The Son of Man is going away just as it is written about Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” 25 And Judas, who was betraying Him, said, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself.”
Who Was Involved?
- Jesus, who fully knew what was coming and spoke of His impending betrayal
- The disciples, confused and grieved
- Judas Iscariot, already planning the betrayal
- Us, reminded that Jesus sees the secrets of the heart
What Happened?
- Jesus sent His disciples to prepare the Passover meal
- During the meal, He made a shocking announcement: one of them would betray Him
- Each disciple questioned their own heart—“Surely not I, Lord?”
- Judas also asked, “Surely not I, Rabbi?”—a question full of irony
- Jesus confirmed Judas’s guilt with subtle but pointed clarity: “You have said it yourself.”
The Mood: Sacred, Tense, Intimate
- The Last Supper setting was filled with reverence and sorrow
- Jesus showed tender control and deep heartache
- The disciples felt uncertainty and sadness as betrayal loomed over the gathering.
The Principle: Jesus Knows the Heart—and Still Offers Fellowship
- Jesus knew the betrayal would happen—and still welcomed Judas to the table
- He doesn’t avoid the truth, but gives space for repentance
- True intimacy with Christ means asking: “Is it I?” and allowing Him to search us
Audience Response (Then)
- The disciples responded with sorrow and self-reflection
- Judas, already decided, hid behind false humility during this prediction of betrayal
- Jesus responded with truth and patience—a final opportunity for Judas to repent
What This Means for Us in 2025
- Jesus still invites us to the table, even when our hearts are conflicted
- He knows your private motives—and still offers love and correction
- We must ask ourselves with honesty: Where am I resisting His Lordship?
Action Steps for Today
- Examine your heart. Don’t assume immunity to betrayal
- Value the Lord’s Supper. It’s a sacred moment of fellowship
- Be honest with Jesus. Ask, “Is it I, Lord?” and listen
- Stay in a close community. The upper room is where truth is revealed
- Let grace move you. Jesus gives room for repentance
Final Prayer
Lord Jesus, Search my heart and reveal any area that denies You. Help me walk in honesty, humility, and devotion. Thank You for inviting me to Your table. Even when I fall short, Your grace makes room for me. I choose You again today. Amen.
Jesus knows everything about you—and He still invites you to dinner.
