Betrayal Remembrance Dinner

Matthew 26: ²⁰ When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve.²¹ And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”

²² They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”

²³ Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. ²⁴ The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”

²⁵ Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?”

Jesus answered, “You have said so.”

²⁶ While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

²⁷ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. ²⁸ This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. ²⁹ I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

³⁰ When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

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“Tell us who did it” were the calming words of the leaders. I felt comfortable enough to express my opinion so I told on the person. Later I was told my services were no longer needed. It turned out that the leaders needed me to be a fall guy to expose the problem while they maintained their political status. I was betrayed!

• Betrayal never feels good to me.
• Betrayal never brings good to anyone involved.
• Betrayal may seem like a good solution temporarily, but in the end the betrayer will pay.

Amazingly JESUS ate with HIS betrayer and did not stop him. JESUS continued to eat the Passover meal with a special purpose in mind. HE was performing the law of eating the Passover meal while giving humanity a new covenant, namely HIS forgiveness.

• JESUS taught me to give thanks before any meal in remembrance of HIM.
• JESUS taught me to remember HIS blood was shed for me.
• JESUS taught me to sing after celebrating what HE has done for me.

From betrayal to celebration, JESUS kept focus on HIS purpose. HE watched over HIS disciples all the way to the end. JESUS teaches me of HIS new covenant of forgiveness. I am truly grateful.

• Have you been betrayed?
• Do you feel dejected?
• Can you turn your life to JESUS who was betrayed by HIS own creation?