How does Judas's question in Matthew 26:25 reveal his understanding of Jesus' identity? Setting the Scene: The Passover Table – Jesus has just foretold His betrayal (Matthew 26:21). – The eleven respond, “Surely not I, Lord?” (Matthew 26:22). – Judas follows with, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” (Matthew 26:25). The Different Titles: “Lord” vs. “Rabbi” – “Lord” (Greek kurios) acknowledges supreme authority and often divinity. – “Rabbi” (Greek rhabbi) means “teacher”; it respects Jesus’ wisdom but stops short of confessing Him as divine Messiah. – Judas’ choice of “Rabbi” signals that, in his heart, Jesus is no more than an instructor—something far less than what the others believe (cf. Matthew 16:16). What Judas’ Question Reveals • Limited Recognition – Judas sees a respected teacher, not the sovereign Lord; his vocabulary betrays a shallow grasp of Jesus’ true identity (John 6:70–71). • Calculated Hypocrisy – He masks his planned betrayal (Matthew 26:14-16) with feigned innocence, echoing the tone of the other disciples while withholding their faith. – Proverbs 26:24-26 exposes this kind of disguised hatred. • Willful Blindness – For three years Judas watched miracles, heard authoritative teaching, and still chose unbelief (John 12:6; 13:2, 27). – His heart hardened until Satan fully entered him (John 13:27). Jesus’ Response: “You Have Said It Yourself” – A direct but gracious exposure of Judas’ duplicity—Jesus affirms Judas’ own words as the confession of guilt. – Even here, Jesus reasserts omniscient authority: He knows exactly who will betray Him and when (John 13:11). Contrast with Genuine Confession – Peter: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). – Thomas: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). – True disciples embrace Jesus as Lord; Judas clings only to “Rabbi.” Takeaways for Today – Mere admiration of Jesus’ teaching is not saving faith. – The tongue can sound devout while the heart remains in rebellion (2 Timothy 3:5). – Authentic discipleship confesses Jesus as Lord and lives in surrendered obedience. |
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