“In Remembrance of Me”
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fulfilled, He that eateth bread with Me hath lifted up his heel against
Me.”
Even now the disciples did not suspect Judas. But they saw that
Christ appeared greatly troubled. A cloud settled over them all, a
premonition of some dreadful calamity, the nature of which they did
not understand. As they ate in silence, Jesus said, “Verily I say unto
you, that one of you shall betray Me.” At these words amazement and
consternation seized them. They could not comprehend how any one
of them could deal treacherously with their divine Teacher. For what
cause could they betray Him? and to whom? Whose heart could give
birth to such a design? Surely not one of the favored twelve, who had
been privileged above all others to hear His teachings, who had shared
His wonderful love, and for whom He had shown such great regard by
bringing them into close communion with Himself!
As they realized the import of His words, and remembered how
true His sayings were, fear and self-distrust seized them. They began
to search their own hearts to see if one thought against their Master
were harbored there. With the most painful emotion, one after another
inquired, “Lord, is it I?” But Judas sat silent. John in deep distress
at last inquired, “Lord, who is it?” And Jesus answered, “He that
dippeth his hand with Me in the dish, the same shall betray Me. The
Son of man goeth as it is written of Him: but woe unto that man by
whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if
he had not been born.” The disciples had searched one another’s faces
closely as they asked, “Lord, is it I?” And now the silence of Judas
drew all eyes to him. Amid the confusion of questions and expressions
of astonishment, Judas had not heard the words of Jesus in answer
to John’s question. But now, to escape the scrutiny of the disciples,
he asked as they had done, “Master, is it I?” Jesus solemnly replied,
“Thou hast said.”
In surprise and confusion at the exposure of his purpose, Judas
rose hastily to leave the room. “Then said Jesus unto him, That thou
doest, do quickly.... He then having received the sop went immediately
out: and it was night.” Night it was to the traitor as he turned away
from Christ into the outer darkness.
Until this step was taken, Judas had not passed beyond the possi-
bility of repentance. But when he left the presence of his Lord and his
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