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Lord’s Supper Instituted
395
“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke
it, and gave it to the disciples and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.’
Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying,
‘Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant,
which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you,
I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day
when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.’”
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Judas, the betrayer, received from Jesus the symbols of His
broken body and spilled blood. Sitting in the very presence of the
Lamb of God, the betrayer brooded on his dark plans and clung to
his revengeful thoughts.
At the feet washing, Christ had given convincing proof that
He understood Judas’s character. “You are not all clean,” He said.
John 13:11
. Now Christ spoke out more plainly: “I do not speak
concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the
Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with Me has lifted up
his heel against Me.’”
Even now the disciples did not suspect Judas. But a cloud settled
over them, a premonition of some terrible calamity. As they ate
in silence, Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will
betray Me.” This alarmed and confused them. How could any one
of them deal treacherously with their divine Teacher? Betray Him?
To whom? Surely not one of the favored Twelve!
As they remembered how true His sayings were, fear and self-
distrust came over them. With painful emotion, one after another
inquired, “Lord, is it I?” But Judas sat silent. Finally John inquired,
“Lord, who is it?” And Jesus answered, “He who dipped his hand
with Me in the dish will betray Me.” Judas’s silence drew all eyes to
him. Amid the confusion of questions and astonishment, Judas had
not heard Jesus’ words in answer to John’s question. But now, to
divert the attention of the others from himself, he asked as they had
done, “Rabbi, is it I?” Jesus solemnly replied, “You have said it.”
Surprised and confused at having his plans exposed, Judas
quickly got up to leave the room. Then Jesus said, “‘What you
do, do quickly.’ ... Having received the piece of bread, he then went
out immediately. And it was night.” Night it was as the traitor turned
from Christ into the outer darkness.