Moment of Meditation: Betrayed (Matthew 26:20-21)

''When it was evening, He reclined at table with the Twelve. And as they were eating, He said, "Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me" (Matthew 26:20-21).''

Imagine being one of the Apostles. You're sitting at the table with your closest friends. Your rabbi is celebrating the greatest of all Old Testament feasts. As you're eating, He says, "One of you will betray Me."

A friend's betrayal is very hurtful. The accusation is not made lightly. Feelings are deeply hurt by the accusation. Not just the accusation's target. Everyone who is associated with him. Can anything he or she has done be trusted? Doubts start to swirl.

Jesus' accusation cuts through to the heart of each Apostle. Each of them asking, "Is it I?" Jesus' revelation causes each of His disciples, even now, to question themselves. Would I betray Jesus? Yes. Every time you pass an opportunity to speak His Word or to care for one of your fellow men, you betray Jesus. Every sin betrays Jesus. But thanks be to God that Jesus' betrayal by Judas brought forgiveness of sins for your every betrayal of Him. Amen.