And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” . . . Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.” Matthew 26:21&26
When I read this passage today, something new popped out at me. Perhaps it is not new to you. But, I find when, “new” things emerge from Scripture, it’s always a lesson I need to think about. In this case, the lesson I see is how the disciples responded to Jesus. Their responses reflected their faith and intentions. All of them called Jesus “Lord”. Except for one. Judas called him “Rabbi”- or simply, teacher.
In another circumstance, Jesus asked them, “Who do men say that I am?”, and they responded back Moses, Elijah, etc. Then he asked them, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “the Messiah, (the Christ).” Jesus told him that response came from God.
Who do you say Jesus is? Is he just a great teacher and someone we should imitate? Or is He Lord over your life? Is He your Messiah – the one that can deliver you from evil and bring you salvation? Or was He just a charismatic historical figure that was wise beyond his years?
Each day we can decide anew who we say He is. Each time we face the world, our own temptations and doubts, we make the decision how to respond. Do we search our memory banks for the man Jesus’ wisdom, go on our own experiences, or seek the guidance of our Savior and put Him in control? Eventually, all the disciples ran that day, leaving Jesus alone. But, He returned to them, forgave them and gave them His Spirit. Even if you said He was someone else yesterday, it doesn’t matter today. Today, you have that choice to make again. Who will you say He is?
