In Matthew 26:22, we read that during the Last Supper, as Jesus predicted that one of His disciples would betray Him, the disciples each asked, “Is it I, Lord?” This question reveals much about the relationship between Jesus and His disciples, and shows how even Jesus’ closest followers were still struggling with sin and doubt. Here is an in-depth look at this important moment:
The Setting of the Last Supper
To understand the disciples’ question, it’s important to look at the context. Jesus and the twelve disciples were gathered together to eat the Passover meal (Matthew 26:20). This Passover celebration occurred at a time of great tension – the religious leaders were actively plotting to kill Jesus (Matthew 26:3-5). Jesus knew that His death was imminent, and he saw this as the perfect opportunity to institute the Lord’s Supper as a remembrance of His sacrifice.
As part of this momentous meal, Jesus made a troubling statement. He said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me” (Matthew 26:21). This means one of the twelve disciples gathered there would turn Jesus over to be crucified. The disciples, unaware of Judas’ deal with the chief priests (Matthew 26:14-16), were deeply grieved by this news (Matthew 26:22). Each one recognized the seriousness of the claim and began questioning if he could be the one to commit such a heinous act.
The Disciples’ Question – “Is it I, Lord?”
Upon hearing that one of them would betray their Lord, each disciple responded by asking, “Is it I, Lord?” (Matthew 26:22). This question reveals a few important things about the disciples:
1. They took Jesus’ words seriously. The disciples recognized that Jesus did not make idle claims. If He said one of them would betray Him, they knew it must be true.
2. They knew their own weaknesses. The disciples were aware of their faults and their capability to sin. They did not puff themselves up with pride or deny that they could be the betrayer.
3. They feared displeasing God. The disciples had a reverent fear of the Lord and were grieved at the thought that they could betray the Son of God. Their question shows a desire to avoid this sin.
4. They sought their Master’s insight. By asking “Lord, is it I?” the disciples were looking to Jesus for wisdom, insight, and self-awareness. They relied on Him to search their hearts.
5. They knew the gravity of the situation. The disciples recognized that identifying the betrayer was a somber matter. This was not merely casual dinner conversation but a pivotal moment.
While the disciples were not yet perfect, their response reveals sincere hearts eager to avoid grieving their Lord. They took betrayal seriously and approached the matter with humility, self-awareness, and dependence on Jesus.
Judas’ Response – Noticeably Different
Matthew 26:25 notes that Judas, the one who would indeed betray Jesus, also asked, “Is it I, Rabbi?” But there are a few subtle differences that reveal Judas’ insincerity:
1. Judas said, “Rabbi,” not “Lord.” Rabbi was a respectful term for a teacher. Lord signifies deity and absolute authority. Judas respected Jesus as a teacher but not as the Lord.
2. Judas asked more out of curiosity than concern. While the other disciples anxiously wondered, Judas casually wondered about his role.
3. Judas relied on his own deception rather than Jesus’ insight. He knew he already plotted the betrayal, but he maintained a false innocence.
4. Judas was focused on himself rather than Christ’s grief. The other disciples were saddened at the thought of betraying Jesus. Judas was unmoved.
5. Judas betrayed Jesus soon after this interaction (Matthew 26:47-50). His question provided no real self-reflection or repentance.
So while the other eleven disciples sincerely investigated their hearts, Judas continued playing a role. His question lacked the humility, grief, and dependence on Jesus that the others’ showed.
Jesus’ Response – “You have said so.”
When Judas asked if he was the one, Jesus replied, “You have said so.” (Matthew 26:25). In this day, this phrase communicated affirmative agreement. Jesus was saying, “Yes, what you have said is true. You are the one.” Yet Jesus did not directly expose Judas’ secret plot before all the disciples. He continued treating Judas with love and patience even though He knew Judas’ heart was set against Him.
Jesus’ Use of Their Questions for Teaching
While Jesus affirmed that Judas was the betrayer, He did not specifically tell the other eleven disciples, “No, you are not the betrayer.” Nor did He identify Judas explicitly. Instead, He used their questions to offer an important teaching about accountability, saying:
“The one who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. The 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.” (Matthew 26:23-24)
Rather than focusing on Judas’ guilt, Jesus focused on the seriousness of the betrayer’s accountability before God. Whoever betrayed the Son of Man would face dire consequences – it would have been better if he had never been born. Jesus was thinking not only of Judas but also of the other disciples and their need to fear God rather than men. All the disciples learned from this interaction that God sees the heart and will hold every person accountable for their actions. No deed against the Son of God goes unnoticed.
Lessons for Disciples Today
The disciples’ sincere question remains relevant today – believers must continually examine if they are truly loyal to Christ or harboring secret sin. And Jesus’ warning against betrayal cautions all people that rejecting Christ brings severe consequences. Some key lessons for disciples today include:
– We all have the capacity to sin and betray Christ. Like the disciples, we should humbly admit our propensity to rebel against God. Self-righteousness leaves us vulnerable.
– To avoid grievous sin, we must walk closely with Jesus, inviting Him to search our hearts and motives through prayer, Scripture, and discernment from other believers. Dependence on Christ is essential.
– Being a follower of Jesus is serious – there is no casual middle ground. We must reverently fear displeasing our Lord, not just seek personal gain from Him.
– Pretending loyalty to Jesus while harboring wickedness is a grave sin. Authentic disciples love and obey Christ from the heart.
– Every person will stand accountable before God for how they respond to Jesus. There are eternal consequences for sin and unbelief.
The disciples’ question reveals their devotion to Jesus but also their need for growth. May all disciples today deepen their allegiance to Christ and avoid secret sin by relying fully on His grace and wisdom.
In summary, the disciples’ question “Is it I, Lord?” gives us a glimpse into their relationship with Jesus. Though sincere followers, they recognized their capacity for sin and betraying their Master. Their question illustrates key traits of authentic disciples – humility, dependence on Christ, grief over sin, and accountability before God. Jesus transformed their question into a teaching opportunity that remains relevant today. May all disciples diligently examine if they are truly loyal to Jesus Christ.