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Mark 14:17-21,  When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.”

They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, “Surely you don’t mean me?”

“It is one of the Twelve,” he replied, “one who dips bread into the bowl with me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”

Today is what we typically call Maundy Thursday.  The word “maundy” actually means command and it refers to the commands that Jesus gave to the disciples during the Last Supper to “do this in remembrance of me.”  I do hope you will join us this evening at 7pm in the New Hope sanctuary for our Maundy Thursday service.  Our youth ministry, Passion Student Ministries, is leading the service with a unique and creative version of the Last Supper.  Hope to see you there.

Our focus verses for today highlight a different aspect of the Last Supper.  Jesus has gathered with his disciples for the Passover meal.  They are reclining at the table and eating when he proclaims that one of them will betray him.  They all are upset by this and ask, “Surely you don’t mean me?”

I’ve always thought this was an odd thing to say.  Why didn’t they just say, “I would never betray you!” or “Heck no!” But they say, “Surely you don’t mean me?”  Other translations say, “Am I the one?”  By this point, Judas has already sold out Jesus.  The others have not but it’s as if they don’t really trust themselves either.  Maybe they are capable of betraying Jesus, maybe they will.

Friends, we have all betrayed Jesus.  Every single one of us. 

What if each and every time we know the right thing to do and we do not do it, we betray Jesus?

What if each time we give in to something we know is wrong or dishonest or immoral, we betray Jesus?

What if each time we turn away the poor, each time we harbor anger toward our neighbor; each time we fail to show mercy, each time we become self-righteous...we betray Jesus?

And what if, what if each and every time we sin, we betray Jesus?

Let’s pray…Forgive us, Lord, for our own betrayal.  It’s easy to point the finger at Judas but we are also guilty.  Have mercy on us, Lord Jesus.  Help us stay close to you, give us the courage to follow you even when it’s hard.  More of you and less of me, Jesus.  In Your Name, Amen.

Starting Monday, April 18, there will be some changes to the Daily SOAP.  I will be writing/reading the SOAP on Monday-Thursday and we will have various guest writers on Friday.  Saturday and Sunday will be off days.  You can use the weekend to reread some of the week’s chapters, catch up as needed, and spend extra time in prayer.  If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.  Blessings to all of you, Pastor Vicki.