Notes: | Of the many unique features of John’s Gospel, the Last Supper is perhaps the most intriguing. If we look closely enough, we find that it takes place just before the Passover. John gives us a glimpse into the everyday life Jesus – it is an intimate moment, behind closed doors, meant just for those who are closest to Christ. What John tells us, that the others do not, is that Jesus dipped a bit of food and gave it to Judas. In first century Palestine, this would have been a sign of deep affection. It gives us a great insight into what must have taken place between these two men. For on the one hand Christ, knowing full well what was on the heart of Judas, was showing one final act of love. In a way, it is a final plea. He is saying “I know you, I know what you are doing, and you don’t have to go through with it”. He is offering a shred of hope to an otherwise broken and corrupt man. Judas, at that moment, could have changed his mind. And while we still have this hope, at the same time we also have a condemnation. In that moment, Jesus and Judas looked eye-to-eye; they were alone in a crowded room, and in Christ’s action of love said, just as loudly as it offered hope: “I know you, I love you, and you have no excuse”. This makes Judas’ betrayal all the more bitter. -- Patrick Darnell |
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