Surely Not I?
Opening Prayer
Lord, it’s difficult to find adequate words to express what I owe You for giving Yourself on the cross for me.
Read MARK 14:12-26
[12] On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” [13] So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. [14] Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ [15] He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” [16] The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover. [17] When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. [18] While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me-one who is eating with me.” [19] They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, “Surely not I?” [20] “It is one of the Twelve,” he replied, “one who dips bread into the bowl with me. [21] 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.” [22] While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” [23] Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. [24] “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. [25] “I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.” [26] When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What is Jesus “foretelling” with these gestures (22-24)?Judas was the betrayer (10,11,43), yet Jesus’ statement (18-21) is directed at all his disciples. It’s as though Jesus asks each of us to examine our hearts and motives.
When we choose other things or people before Jesus, we grieve him. We may put financial gain and financial security before our relationship with Jesus (as Judas did), or choose the safety of silence (as Peter did) when we should stand with Jesus. It is only when we face up to our sorry state that we begin to appreciate what Jesus did for us.
Jesus knew from Scripture that he would be betrayed and killed (18,21; see Psa. 41:9; ch. 22) and he knew why (24). In the history of God’s people, blood delivered them from judgment (see Exod. 12), paid for their sin (see Lev. 4), and sealed God’s covenant with them (see Exod. 14:8). Jesus knew his death would likewise liberate us from sin and judgment and seal the new agreement for our future with him (25).
To all of us who betray, deny and desert him, Jesus invites us to accept what he offers with grateful hearts (22,23).
Apply
Jesus offers to pay for all your failings and sins. If you accept, confess them and then thank him.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, I know how much I need what You offer me and I gratefully accept it now. Thank You.
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