Matthew 26:22

Matthew 26:22 captures a poignant moment during the Last Supper, immediately after Jesus reveals that one of His disciples will betray Him. The verse highlights the profound shock and personal introspection among the disciples.

Context of the Last Supper

This verse is set during the Passover meal, which Jesus shared with His twelve disciples in an upper room in Jerusalem. This sacred meal, soon to become the institution of the Lord's Supper, was interrupted by a solemn declaration from Jesus: "Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me" (Matthew 26:21). The disciples, having spent years in intimate fellowship with Jesus, could scarcely comprehend such a treachery originating from within their close circle. Their reaction, as described in this verse, is one of deep sorrow and immediate self-questioning.

Key Themes and Messages

• Profound Sorrow: The phrase "exceeding sorrowful" emphasizes the disciples' deep grief and distress. This wasn't merely surprise, but a heartfelt sorrow at the thought of such a heinous act, especially against their beloved Lord. It underscores their genuine love and loyalty to Jesus, making the idea of betrayal from one of their own almost unbearable.
• Personal Self-Examination: Rather than immediately pointing fingers or accusing one another, "every one of them began to say unto him, Lord, is it I?" This response reveals a remarkable humility and a recognition of their own potential for failure or sin. It signifies a profound moment of individual spiritual inventory, where each disciple honestly considered if such a dark possibility lurked within their own heart. This stands in stark contrast to Judas, who, though present, did not ask this question until later (Matthew 26:25), and whose heart was already given over to avarice and deceit (John 13:2).
• The Reality of Human Weakness: Even among those closest to Christ, there was a recognition of their own fallibility. The question "is it I?" implicitly acknowledges that despite their devotion, they understood the human capacity for sin and the potential for spiritual stumble, reminding us of the constant need for vigilance and reliance on God's grace.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "sorrowful" is lypeō (λυπέω), which conveys a deep sense of grief, distress, or pain. It's a strong term indicating profound sadness, not just mild disappointment. The repetition of "every one of them" asking "is it I?" (μὴ ἐγώ εἰμι, Κύριε; mē egō eimi, Kyrios?) highlights the universality of this internal questioning among the eleven loyal disciples. The particle mē before the question implies an expectation of a negative answer, indicating their hope that they were not the one, yet they still felt compelled to ask.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful call to personal spiritual introspection for all believers. In an age where it's easy to judge others, the disciples' response encourages us to first look within ourselves. It prompts us to regularly ask, "Lord, is it I?" when confronted with sin, compromise, or spiritual complacency. This humble self-examination, guided by the Holy Spirit, is crucial for spiritual growth and maintaining a pure heart before God. It reminds us that even sincere followers can have blind spots or areas of weakness that need to be brought before Christ for purification and strength, echoing the Apostle Paul's instruction to "examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith."