Fresh Look at Matthew: Matthew 26, third take

Again I notice Judas sought out the religious leaders, not the other way around.  The disciples asked Jesus where he wanted to eat the Passover, not the other way around.  Who makes the request makes all the difference.

When Jesus announces one will betray him, the others are honest enough to ask “Is it I?”  Perhaps it was fear of this egregious crime, but also awareness they were capable of it.  I have always been uncomfortable about hymns that uphold our own commitment to Christ, rather than his to us.  Ours is too full of gaps to sing about publicly!

When Judas asked, was it a whisper to the side?  Did they all hear?  Perhaps not—the others would have prevented him from doing it—unless they thought it was impossible or because Jesus had said the betrayal was prophesied and must go forward.  No doubt they were confused if they heard it.  Jesus answer is indirect but clear, “You have said it.”   

 A deeper question is why did Judas ask if he intended to follow through on the betrayal.  Was this a moment of indecision, or was he afraid he was found out?  The other passages say he left then.  The clock was ticking (although they didn’t have clocks back then).

Whenever Jesus predicts his death, he predicts the resurrection. 

Denying Jesus is not the same as betraying Jesus.  To betray his children is to betray Jesus.  We must never throw our Christian siblings under the bus, even if we say we disagree with them.
In light of what Jesus has told them at the dinner, one would think they would be anxious enough to stay awake, watchful, and prayerful.  Sleep is too much.  But Jesus doesn’t condemn them.  It’s just not the best behavior when your closest friend is about to die.  He had just told them what would happen the next day, and they were dosing off.