As they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me-one who is eating with Me.” They began to be grieved and to say to Him one by one, “Surely not I?” And He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who dips with Me in the bowl. For the Son of Man is to go just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” While they were eating, He took some bread, and after a blessing He broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is My body.” And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I say to you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. ~ Mark 14:18-26
Jesus not only knew that He would be betrayed, He knew exactly who would betray Him, yet He willingly allowed Judas to be used by Satan. He shared the Last Supper with His betrayer—the Last Supper in which He instituted Holy Communion for His church. Judas partook of the Body and Blood of Christ, then immediately went and betrayed Him. We readily and rightfully condemn Judas for His betrayal, but we all—in smaller, but many ways—betray Jesus daily.
Lord, forgive me for every time I betray Christ by my sins. Purify my heart and mold me into the person You want me to be. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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