An Important Acknowledgment!

After Jesus had made the statement to His disciples that one of them would betray Him, though shocked glances may have darted around the room, the focus quickly turned within.

We read…
“And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, ‘IS IT I, LORD?’” ( Matthew 26:22 ESV)

The question was not “who is it?”, but rather “Is it I?” The anxious thought was not turned toward each other, but rather toward self. Imagine sitting there hearing each who wondered aloud the possibility. Accompanying the shocking notion that one of them could possibly betray the Lord, was the fear that they could be so weak as to be the one.

Paul warned…
“Therefore let anyone who THINKS that he stands TAKE HEED lest he fall.” ( 1 Corinthians 10:12 ESV)

Before we proudly claim, “I could never!” we should first consider the possibility that we could! Sometimes it is wise to consider “Is it I?” in order to steer ourselves away from putting too much trust in self. It is good to examine ourselves and recognize we may not be quite as strong as we think we are. This helps to put us on guard against relying on our own strength and encourages us to keep our eyes focused the right direction. As the disciples wondered aloud, we see their focus was still on the One they called “LORD.” Continually being mindful of the LORDSHIP of Christ can serve to keep us from moving away from Him and His purposes. Perhaps that was at the very root of what caused the one who did betray to do so.

Note Judas’ response.
“Judas, who would betray him, answered, ‘IS IT I, RABBI?’ He said to him, ‘You have said so.’” ( Matthew 26:25 ESV)

Did you notice the difference in phrasing between Judas’ question and that of the others? While the rest of the disciples called Jesus “LORD”, Judas called Him “Rabbi” (teacher). Judas, having already begun the journey down the road of betrayal ( Matthew 26:14-16) acknowledged Jesus here as a teacher, but not as LORD. Perhaps that was because the real master in Judas’ life was money, he being guilty of helping himself to what was in their moneybag. ( John 12:4-6)

Jesus made it clear what the problem will be when one tries to serve two masters. ( Matthew 6:24) He said it cannot be done! A choice must be made! The idea has been expressed that Jesus is either LORD of all or not at all. Perhaps we would each do well to spend some time reflecting on what the LORDSHIP of Christ should mean in our life and then pray a prayer of re-surrender to Him. We could have no better Master than He.

Have a great day HAVING CHOSEN TO SURRENDER WHOLLY TO JESUS!
Carl

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