What is the meaning of Matthew 26:22? They were deeply grieved – The moment Jesus announced a betrayer, sorrow swept over the disciples. Their grief was not theatrical; it was heartfelt and immediate (cf. John 13:21, Mark 14:19). – This reaction shows that sin, even before it is acted out, wounds the hearts of those who love Christ. Paul later calls this “godly sorrow” that “brings repentance that leads to salvation” (2 Corinthians 7:10). – Genuine grief over potential sin remains a sign of a tender conscience before God. and began to ask Him – Instead of whispering among themselves, the disciples turned straight to Jesus. When conviction strikes, the wisest move is always toward the Lord, not away from Him. • “Search me, O God… see if there is any offensive way in me” (Psalm 139:23-24). • “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God” (James 1:5). – By addressing Jesus, they model how believers should handle doubt or fear—take it to the only One who perfectly understands hearts and motives (1 Peter 5:7). one after another – The phrase highlights personal responsibility. Every disciple felt individually accountable and spoke up in turn. • “Each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). • “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). – Faith is never merely corporate; it is personal. No one can hide behind the faith of a group when Jesus exposes the heart. Surely not I, Lord? – Their question reveals sincere self-distrust. They recognized the weakness of the human heart: “The heart is deceitful above all things” (Jeremiah 17:9). – The disciples combined humility with hope—an honest look inward paired with confidence in Christ’s mercy. • “So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). • “Who can discern his own errors?… Keep Your servant also from willful sins” (Psalm 19:12-13). – By calling Him “Lord,” they reaffirmed His authority even as they searched their own souls. summary Matthew 26:22 portrays hearts awakened to the seriousness of betrayal, a collective rush toward Jesus for clarity, a personal accounting before Him, and a humble confession that any one of them could fall without His sustaining grace. The verse invites every believer to grieve over sin, bring every fear to Christ, accept individual responsibility, and cling to the Lord who alone keeps us faithful. |
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