Troubled In Spirit? Perplexed About Guilt?

When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me." (John 13:21 NKJ)

Sitting at the Passover meal with the Twelve, Jesus watched their reactions when he said, "one of you will betray me." His quiet words reverberated off the walls and they looked at each other unable to decide which of them was guilty.

Phillip, from Bethsaida of Galilee could not believe his ears. Yet, the Lord had spoken with definite authority. Someone in that room would betray him to the High Priest's office. Which of them would do such a despicable thing?

Phillip first met Jesus when John the Baptist preached in the Jordan Valley near Bethany. Jesus had recruited Phillip, who then recruited Nathanael. At first, Nathanael was incredulous, not believing that any good thing could come from Nazareth. Phillip was confident that neither he nor Nathanael would ever betray the Lord. Who then?

As he sat there silently analyzing who could betray Jesus, Phillip remembered that he had been a little skeptical when Jesus suggested feeding that crowd of more than five thousand people. At the time, he questioned where they might lay their hands on enough food for such an endeavor. Of course, he didn't know that Andrew had brought a boy, who had wisely packed a lunch that day.

But, even then, after this miracle he had brought the Greeks in the crowd, to meet Jesus. He was in the habit of bringing people to Jesus not talking to the authorities about Jesus. Why would he now turn against him? Of course, he reluctantly acknowledged, any one could become disenchanted and reject what he had once embraced.

Finally, Peter motioned to John, who sat closest to Jesus, to ask him who it was? And the Lord's cryptic response seemed to fall on uncomprehending ears. Perhaps, like us, they had each come to the same conclusion, realizing the traitor could easily be anyone of them.

Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Enable us to recognize our own culpability in the Cross of Christ. Forgive us our sins. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Confession is good for your soul!