THE LAST WEEK OF JESUS' PUBLIC MINISTRY AND HIS CRUCIFIXION

-Judas Is Identified as the Betrayer

-Matthew 26:21-25; Mark 14:18-21; Luke 22:21-23; John 13:21-30

-Having now returned to the table, Jesus was “troubled in spirit” (John 13:21).  “‘Troubled’

 translates an aorist passive verb which means the thought of these things overtook Jesus and

 extracted the calmness of mind that usually accompanied his demeanor” (Winkler, Dan, pg 272).

            -This shows us that, even though He had foreknowledge of Judas’ betrayal, it certainly didn’t

             make things any easier. 

-Jesus then plainly indicated that there was a betrayer at the table with Him.

            -Undoubtedly, this was a startling revelation to the apostles. 

            -They “…began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?” (Matt. 26:22).  Note the

             NASB and NIV’s correct rendering of the Greek, “Surely not I, Lord”.

            -Jesus narrowed the possibilities by saying it was one who dipped in the bowl with Him.

                        -“According to Oriental custom, knives and forks were not used.  One dish served to hold

                         the sop for several people, that they might dip their bread into it.  In so large a company

                         two or three bowls would be used for convenience’ sake.  The words of Jesus, therefore,

                         limited the circle of accused ones…and also further emphasized the tender and close

                         intimacy between the traitor and the Master” (McGarvey/Pendleton, pg 652).

            -Jesus then issued a severe woe against His betrayer - It would have been better for him not

             to have been born.

-In John’s account, we learn that Peter beckoned John to ask Jesus the identity of the betrayer.

            -Jesus then stated, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it

             in the dish” (John 13:26, NIV).  He then dipped the bread and gave it to Judas Iscariot.

            -“And Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, "Surely it is not I, Rabbi?" He said

             to him, "You have said it yourself” (Matthew 26:25, NASB).

                        -We are again told that Satan entered into Judas and again such entrance was made

                         through an opened door rather than by forced entry.  Rather than allowing the exposure

                         to soften him and lead to repentance, Judas was hardened by it.

                        -Jesus instructed, “What you do, do quickly” (John 13:27, NASB).  The other apostles,

                         hearing these words spoken by Jesus, did not know what was meant.