During the Passover feast, Jesus ate with his apostles. Could you imagine how somber a feast that would have been for Jesus and Judas?
While you’re eating this meal with Jesus, you are then told “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. But behold, the hand of My betrayer is with Me on the table. And truly the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!” Luke 22: 20-22
Jesus knew one there would betray Him. He even called this betrayer a devil in John 6 verse 70.
Yet He still ate with this devil, knowing what was to come. I can see Him hoping against hope that Judas would repent from the evil in his heart and be the apostle he could’ve been.
Look at Judas, one who witnessed Jesus’ teachings, miracles, love. A greedy man, one who stole from Jesus and eventually would turn Jesus’ freedom into a simple payday.
One told that the he who would be given the bread was the betrayer and then sure enough it’s given to him. He allowed the devil to enter his heart and performs that terrible deed that eventually leads to Christ’s death.
This demonstrates how much love Jesus has for all of us, to allow all of this to take place. He could have called 12 legions of angels to prolong His life, but He did not.
He allowed this to take place so we, unworthy as we are, can also dine with Jesus. So we can remember His willing sacrifice until He comes again to take the faithful to Heaven.