What Jesus Did! 'Am I the One?' — Luke 22:21-23

Monday, December 4, 2023

[During the Passover meal, Jesus continued,] "But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me. For it has been determined that the Son of Man must die. But what sorrow awaits the one who betrays him." The disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing.
— Luke 22:21-23 NLT

Key Thought

"Am I the one?" That's the basic question that the disciples were asking. [1] It is also the question that we need to be asking ourselves when participating in the Lord's Supper. "Am I the one, Lord? Am I the one who is betraying you?" The Supper is a great time for us to take seriously our need for self-examination. [2] Let's be honest about our possible failure in the face of temptation, trial, and persecution. However, rather than anticipating failure or getting stuck in our past failures, let's recommit to serve the Lord faithfully as we share in the Lord's Supper.

[1] cf. Matthew 26:21-22.
[2] 1 Corinthians 11:27-29.

Today's Prayer

Father, I know that I can be weak and vulnerable to temptation and sin. Without your power working in me through your Holy Spirit, I know I cannot withstand the onslaught of the devil's attacks. Please help me trust fully that your forgiveness frees me to partake in the Supper despite my failings, but may I always honor both Jesus' sacrificed body and his present-day body, your disciples. Strengthen and empower me to live a pure life and honor your Son, whose sacrifice has cleansed me and made me whole. In his name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Corinthians 13:3-6
  • 1 Corinthians 11:27-32
  • John 13:21-30

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 22:21-23 NLT — "But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me. For it has been determined that the Son of Man must die. But what sorrow awaits the one who betrays him."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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