MARK 14:17-19 – And when it was evening, he came with the twelve. And as they were reclining at table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” They began to be sorrowful and to say to him one after another, “Is it I?”
THEME OF THE DAY: A VERY REVEALING QUESTION. Let’s put ourselves at the Last Supper sitting around the table with the disciples and Jesus. We are enjoying the meal. It is a sacred time of fellowship. We cherish each moment with one another and Jesus. Then, Jesus abruptly brings a dark cloud over the scene with these prophetic words, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” No name mentioned. No eyes locking on the betrayer revealing his identify. No pointing a finger. Silence grips the room. We watch. We listen. Nothing, but then, one by one we hear the disciples put forth a very revealing and honest question, “Is it I?”
Granted, the disciples didn’t understand the scope of what Jesus was saying. Nor did they understand themselves and the totality of man’s sinful ruin and the deceptiveness of their own hearts. But as we probe this question, let’s do some deep thinking for there is much to be learned by taking this question and applying it to ourselves.
First, the disciples’ question reveals each of them was capable of being the betrayer. Lesson? Never think we have “arrived” spiritually and are incapable of committing the most heinous of sins. The words of the prophet Jeremiah need to be stamped on our heart with force as a restraint on trusting one’s own heart – The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9). And King Solomon would add a hefty rebuke to the person who wants to trust themselves, their feelings, impressions or anything else outside of scripture – The one who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe (Proverbs 28:26).
Another lesson implied from the question the disciples asked of themselves is “Trust God to be the Revealer of things hidden not ourselves.” We don’t find the disciples looking around trying to figure out the identity of the betrayer. Jesus said one was among them. And it was Jesus who would reveal him, not them. When it comes to acting on something out of impulse or our own understanding, allow the wise counsel of David rule the day – Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! (Psalm 37:3-7). Don’t try to figure things out. Don’t make impulsive assessments. Don’t assume anything about anyone. Those are paths to ugly self-righteousness.
“Is it I?” is a revealing question. It is also a helpful question protecting us from the danger of trusting our deceiving hearts and impulsively getting ahead of the guidance and activity of the Lord.
PRAYER: “Father, protect me from the danger of self-deception and trusting my heart.”
QUOTE: “Never rely upon your feelings, impressions, or anything outside of the Word of God.”
Because of Him,
Pastor Jim