Matthew 26:23 And he answered and said, he that dips his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. 24 The Son of man goes, as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
Now, the last and the only man remaining is Judas, and therefore, if he were to remain silent, all eyes would now be fastened on him. Therefore, he forces the question from his unwilling lips, dripping with sweat, as he awaits the answer that will single him out as the traitor. It did not have to come to this, for he could have confessed his sin up front, avoiding the drama, and the embarrassment of being thus exposed.
But, like Achan who had something to hide in Joshua’s day, Judas waits until all roads lead to him, and then he has no choice but to confess….. [The Desire of Ages pp 654] They began to search their own hearts to see if one thought against their Master were harbored there. With the most painful emotion, one after another inquired, “Lord, is it I?” But Judas sat silent. John in deep distress at last inquired, “Lord, who is it?”
And Jesus answered, “He that dips his hand with Me in the dish, the same shall betray Me. The disciples had searched one another’s faces closely as they asked, “Lord, is it I?” And now the silence of Judas drew all eyes to him. But now, to escape the scrutiny of the disciples, he asked as they had done, “Master, is it I?” Jesus solemnly replied, “Thou hast said.” In surprise and confusion at the exposure of his purpose, Judas rose hastily to leave the room.
Matthew 26:25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!