Knowing The Word in Matthew 26:20-25

The Passover with the Disciples

20 When it was evening [after sunset as Nisan 14 begins], he reclined at table with the twelve. 21 And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 And they were very sorrowful [shocked is a better translation] and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” 23 He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. [The meal was shared from a common dish. Jesus’ unspecific accusation shows his willingness to let events take their course.] 24 The Son of Man goes as it is written of him [this is the bombshell that the disciples miss and won’t understand until the road to Emmaus that what is happening is within the sovereign will of God yet this does not excuse Judas’ deliberate betrayal, hence:], 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.” 25 Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” [The other disciples never use this term for Jesus.] He said to him, “You have said so.” [This must have been a private conversation between Judas and Jesus.]