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17 When it was evening He *came with the twelve.
18 And 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.”
19 They began to be grieved and to say to Him one by one, “Surely not I?”
20 But He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, the one who dips bread with Me in the bowl.
21 For the Son of Man is going away just as it is written about 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.”
What is referred to as the “Last Supper” actually is the Passover meal. At that time, people reclined on their left side on the floor to eat. Below is the typical order of the Passover meal: (1) The first cup is distributed, known as the “Cup of Thanksgiving.” (2) Next, the mother or daughter of the household goes around with a basin and a towel. Those seated at the table wash their fingers with the water and wipe them with the towel. According to the Gospel of John chapter 13, Jesus Himself performed this act during the meal. Moreover, He not only washed their hands but also their feet. He did so to teach the disciples love and humility. Surely, the disciples must have been astonished, witnessing Jesus taking on the role of a servant. (3) Then, the second cup known as the “Cup of Judgment,” is distributed, although there is no specific mention of this cup in the Gospels. (4) Following that, parsley is dipped into saltwater and eaten. The green color of parsley symbolizes youth. This symbolizes that “when Israel was still as a young nation, God saved them by passing through the Red Sea.” (5) Next, unleavened bread is eaten. We will learn of its significance in more detail next time.
Jesus was already aware of Judas’ betrayal. The first prediction is found in John 13:21. The disciples were informed that someone among them would betray Jesus. In today’s passage, the second prediction is recounted, and it becomes evident that the betrayer is Judas. It says, “the one who dips with Me in the bowl,” which refers to the fourth act described above – dipping of parsley into saltwater. The bowls of saltwater were placed for several people to share. Jesus and Judas dipped parsley into the same bowl. Jesus issues a warning in a way that only Judas can understand, hoping for Judas to repent. However, Judas arrogantly responds, saying, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” (Matt. 26:25). For those without repentance, there is no possibility of salvation. Those who honestly confess their sins before Jesus will be the ones to receive blessings in the end. Let us rely on the grace of the Lord.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, please help me have a tender and broken heart, as You never despise such a heart. I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.