Matthew 26:17-56 - Here we confront a scene that is very familiar to us as believers -- one that most refer to as the "last supper". In brings to mind images of everyone on the same side of the table, John, the one Jesus loved, leaning on Jesus' shoulder, while the others are leaning in to hear His words. It also brings the image of Judas, near the end of the table, looking away from Jesus. Friends, this is not the case. Judas would have been right next to Jesus - vs 23; "He who dips his hand with Me in the bowl is the one who will betray me". If Judas is at the end of the table or away from Jesus this is a physical impossibility. No Judas was right there; an image within itself of God's continued grace. The God of second chances.
This scene should also bring questions to our minds concerning ourselves. Are we walking close to Jesus physically; yet distanced spiritually? And also; do we even know that's what we're doing? In verse 25, Judas says; "Surely it is not I, Rabbi?" Church by our own words we speak our betrayal of our Savior. Wasn't this what Peter did also in verss 33 -- "Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall." No Peter you will and so will all of us at one point or another.
But here's the difference -- do we return to Him and ask for forgiveness, as Peter did or do we allow the guilt and shame of what we've done destroy us, as it did Judas? May we always chose the former.
In the garden all deserted Him, but even this, in a hidden way, was as it should be; for none but Christ could pay the price for our sins. He alone would have to drink the cup of our damnation and He alone would have to willingly lay His life on that cross. You and I might die for Christ and we might be called a martyr, but Christ alone had to die so that we could be called the redeemed.
I guess the questions for us is these: Where are we spiritually positioned to Jesus? Do we proclaim to be close; while all-the-while our hearts are ready to bolt at the first sign of trouble or ridicule?
Maybe today we all need to do a heart check-up. May God bless you always.