Broken Fellowship



Matthew 26:17-30
17Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?”
18He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’”
19And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.
20When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve.
21And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”
22And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?”
23He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me.
24The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”
25Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.”

Sharing a meal is a wonderful experience. Today, we might meet at a restaurant or prepare a meal in our home but regardless of the location it is generally a time of conversation, laughter, and fellowship. In Jesus’ time they probably didn’t go to the local Red Lobster but met in homes and the mood was the same as it is for us. The Feast of Unleavened Bread, or Passover, was the occasion celebrated by the Jesus and the disciples on this important evening. By this point Judas had been to see the Pharisees and the 30 pieces of silver weighed heavily in his pocket. The plot was cast. And of course, Jesus knew every detail. So He uses this moment to give Judas yet another chance at repentance.

Jesus makes no loud and accusatory accusations. Instead He announces to the entire room that one of them would betray them. This gives every single one of them time to examine their own hearts and see where they may have sinned. It also gives Judas a chance to make things right. He could have very easily turned away from his sin in that moment but chooses not to do so. Since the other disciples don’t rise up against him, it would appear that the exchange at the end of this reading is done very privately between Jesus and Judas. Judas stays the course he has chosen and leaves the feast.

Even in this moment of betrayal Jesus is offering grace and forgiveness. As is always the case Jesus first offers us grace rather than condemnation. This is so important. We who are generally so quick to condemn others can harken back to the Lord’s prayer: And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Jesus wants to forgive. He wants to hear Judas’ confession and offer him peace and restoration. If Jesus offers that to Judas He most certainly offers it to us as well. And we can offer it to others who have wronged us. Forgiveness is always our go-to response.

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