February 14th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

SURELY YOU DON’T MEAN ME?      

Matthew 26:20-25 “When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, He said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray Me.” They were very sad and began to say to Him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?” Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with Me will betray 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.” Then Judas, the one who would betray Him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said so.” 

In today’s devotional verses Jesus identified Judas as the one who would betray Him. What is interesting in this exchange between Jesus and Judas is how Judas, even when directly confronted by Jesus regarding the sin of betrayal he was about to commit, tried to deflect Jesus’ words. “Surely you don’t mean me . . . ?”   

When Satan has control, you become blind to your sins and iniquities. This is the terrible consequence of the Devil’s deceiving you into misbelief, despair and other great shame and vice. (These are the words Luther used to describe how the evil one operates.) Through His deception he causes you to not be able to see your sins for what they are. In Judas’ case, the thirty pieces of silver blinded him from seeing the terrible sin he was about to commit. “Surely, you don’t mean me. . . ?” 

Jesus did mean Judas. Jesus knew the agreement Judas had plotted with the Jewish leaders. Jesus knew Judas’ heart. Jesus released Judas to carry out his evil plan. Judas and his fellow disciples were not programed robots. They freely used their mind as controlled by their heart. You are not a programed robot either. Judas lost sight of all Jesus had taught him over the previous three years. You have the word of God to lead and guide you and show you your sins and need for forgiveness. The Psalmist wrote, “Your (God’s) word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Peter wrote, “ . . . and you have the prophetic message (God’s Word) as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it. . .” (2 Peter 1:19) God will guide you through His word. 

Prayer: Lead and guide me, O Lord, to recognize the temptations of Satan and to overcome them through the power of Jesus Your Son my Savior. In His holy name. Amen. 

Savior, like a shepherd lead us;
Much we need Your tender care.  
In Your pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use Your fold prepare.  
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
You have bought us; we are Yours.  
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus,
You have bought us; we are Yours. 

We are Yours; in love befriend us,
Be the guardian of our way;  
Keep Your flock, from sin defend us,
Seek us when we go astray.  
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus,
Hear us children when we pray.  
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Hear us children when we pray. 

You have promised to receive us,
Poor and sinful though we be;  
You have mercy to relieve us,
Grace to cleanse, and pow’r to free.  
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to You.  
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to you. 

Early let us seek Your favor,
Early let us do Your will;  
Blessed Lord and only Savior,
With Your love our spirits fill.  
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
You have loved us, love us still.  
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, 
You have loved us, love us still.  

Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us // LSB 711