Luke 22:21-23

Luke 22:21 captures a poignant and dramatic moment during the Last Supper, where Jesus reveals that one of His own disciples, sharing the meal with Him, is about to betray Him. This verse underscores the shocking intimacy of the impending act of treachery.

Context

This declaration by Jesus comes immediately after He has instituted the new covenant in His blood, transforming the Passover meal into a profound symbol of His sacrifice. The atmosphere shifts dramatically from sacred communion to the chilling revelation of betrayal. The phrase "with me on the table" emphasizes the close proximity and shared fellowship, making the betrayal all the more painful and unexpected by the disciples, though not by Jesus. This statement sets the stage for the dramatic events leading to His crucifixion.

Key Themes

• Intimate Betrayal: The verse highlights the profound pain of betrayal coming from someone within Jesus' inner circle. The betrayer’s "hand... on the table" signifies shared fellowship and trust, which is about to be shattered.
• Divine Foreknowledge: Jesus' statement demonstrates His complete awareness of the events unfolding, including the identity and actions of His betrayer. This points to His divine nature and the fact that His suffering was not a surprise but part of God's sovereign plan.
• Fulfillment of Prophecy: This event fulfills Old Testament prophecies concerning betrayal by a trusted companion, such as in Psalm 41:9, which states, "Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me."
• Contrast: The verse juxtaposes the sacred institution of the Lord's Supper, symbolizing unity and sacrifice, with the dark act of betrayal, highlighting the stark contrast between light and darkness, loyalty and treachery.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "betrayeth" is paradidomi (παραδίδωμι), which literally means "to hand over" or "to deliver up." While it can be used in neutral contexts, here it carries the strong connotation of delivering someone over to their enemies for harm, emphasizing Judas's treacherous act of surrendering Jesus to the authorities. The "hand" (χεὶρ - cheir) is a common biblical metaphor representing action, power, or presence, here underscoring the active participation and physical closeness of the betrayer.

Related Scriptures

• For parallel accounts of Jesus identifying the betrayer at the Last Supper, see Matthew 26:23 and John 13:21-30.
• The specific act of betrayal by Judas is detailed in Luke 22:48, where he identifies Jesus with a kiss.

Practical Application

Luke 22:21 offers several profound lessons for believers today:

• Understanding Betrayal: It reminds us that even in the most intimate relationships, betrayal can occur. Jesus' experience shows us how to face such pain with divine perspective and purpose.
• God's Sovereignty: Despite the heinous act of betrayal, God's plan for salvation was not thwarted but fulfilled. This provides comfort that even through human sin and brokenness, God remains in control and works all things for His glory.
• Call to Self-Examination: Just as the disciples questioned, "Lord, is it I?" (Matthew 26:22), this verse prompts us to examine our own hearts for any potential disloyalty or spiritual compromise that might hinder our walk with Christ.
• Empathy with Christ: Meditating on Jesus' pain helps us appreciate the depth of His sacrifice and His humanity, strengthening our connection to Him.