"Surely not I, Lord?" They asked the question. For they wanted to follow Jesus Christ. They asked Him, for Jesus troubled everyone present. We must ask Him, too. For He continues to look into your eyes and mine and say: "One of you will betray Me." It is the one question behind all of us who say we want to follow Him. "Surely not I, Lord."

We want to shine for Christ. We want to bring His grace and peace to those around us. And we certainly want to be more alert than those first disciples. Petty and self-centered - even on that final night Christ was betrayed. They jockeyed for position to be part of the inner group to direct the new Kingdom. When Jesus of His coming death - THE SON OF MAN MUST SUFFER, DIE, AND BE RAISED AGAIN ON THE THIRD DAY - they missed it! Recall, on the way to Jerusalem, they passed through a Samaritan village. Rude behavior of those villagers brought anger and demands for punishment by James and John. They wanted to wipe it out! Yet, when Jesus did need His men, they disappeared into the night like frightened birds.

Incredible as it seems, Jesus continued to have faith in His men. He believed in them. In spite of their actions over the past days, He knew they had the makings of champions for His Kingdom. How did He find this out? That statement: "One of you will betray Me." He observed each man, upset, pleading for approval, "SURELY NOT I, LORD?"

Not one of them cast a glance toward Bartholomew or Andrew or Philip, or any of the others, then asked Jesus, "Is it he?" On the contrary, each searched himself and asked, "Master, is it I?" If you want to know how saints begin, it is right here.

We saints know ourselves too well. There lurks within each of us something that Paul summed up: "nothing good dwells in me,.. my flesh...Who will set me free from this body of death? (Romans 7) Just saying it, confessing it, and going on, does not make it go away. Growing a saint takes time. If we begin in front of Jesus Christ, if we allow Him to touch us, even to dig down and expose our lives to His light and love, we discover how much He loves us, even when we do betray Him.

The followers of Jesus seemed hopeless men. Each wanted power. Yet, each one sacrificed unity for personal safety when trouble came. But, in this moment, they displayed a deeper love for Christ and a fear of losing Him. It was possible that each might be a traitor. Even Judas asked. But he meant to deceive.

Jesus gave him an opportunity to come back. The one who dipped his bread in the cup with Jesus would be the betrayer. John reported that Jesus first offered Judas the cup - and Judas, not wanting to draw attention to himself dipped his bread into the cup. "Then, after the morsel, Satan entered into him." (John 13.27) In short, Judas continued with his plans, though he had his one last opportunity to change. He betrayed his Lord- and ours.

But each disciple had also dipped their bread into the cup. So, you see how important the question becomes. We want to defend ourselves. But we know we really need His mercy and love. For He knows us too well. We risk betraying Him every day!

"Is it I, Lord, who HAS BEEN BETRAYING YOU?" In our community here, we can be comfortable as Christians. It is easy. But go to Little Rock or Tulsa or Dallas. We can get lost in the crowd. We can do our own thing. No one will notice. Or, when prejudice raises its ugly head, we can look the other way - or make excuses. "I don’t want to get involved," and melt into the crowd.

I remember seeing a painting of the Last Supper with the back of Judas to us. Under the table we barely see a dog and cat quarreling over a bone. It is hard to cover up discord. Can we blame Judas for wanting to hide his intentions? Could we be sitting where Judas was sitting?

Again, is it I who have not set higher goals, higher purposes in life for Christ? Have I been guilty of careless conduct before others? Am I proud others see my Christian life, just for the sake of pride? One character in The Holy War, is Mr. Loath-to-Stoop. He is willing to meet with the Almighty, but on his terms. He was a very proper gentleman. If he was to give any pilgrimage for God the benefit of his presence, they should know he must not be expected to do any stooping. His spine would not allow him to bend at all. He could give money, like a prince, but that would be enough. When he was told that he must bend the back and bow the knee, it was too much! That is too often what hinders so many of us from growing up in Christ - THE COST IS TOO HIGH! (J. Bunyan)

Remember. We are all capable of betrayal. Those men began their real life with Christ, as they asked Him to examine them. Be willing to do the same. When Christ touches any part that He wants to take away, cry out: LORD, FORGIVE ME! HE DOES!

When He does that, you will find His fellowship great, and this Lord’s Supper tonight will have a taste of heaven. Come, for all is ready!