Matthew 26:20-25 (NLT)
20 When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table with the twelve disciples. 21 While they were eating, he said, �I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.� 22 Greatly distressed, each one asked in turn, �Am I the one, Lord?� 23 He replied, �One of you who has just eaten from this bowl with me will betray me. 24 For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!� 25 Judas, the one who would betray him, also asked, �Rabbi, am I the one?� And Jesus told him, �You have said it.�



As Jesus was celebrating the Passover meal with the disciples He made the statement to all of them that one of those close to Him would betray Him. Each one of them questioned whether it would be them for Jesus always understood their hearts. Then Judas came up to Jesus knowing he was the one who had already agreed to betray Jesus. Judas asks knowing the answer, �Rabbi, am I the one.� Jesus in His gracious way said, �You have said it.�



Jesus was a great teacher even in His actions. With everyone present He tells the disciples there is one who will betray Him. Jesus does say in front of them, �Judas is going to betray me.� He doesn�t point to Judas and say it is going to be Judas. Instead Jesus patiently waits for Judas to ask and Jesus acknowledges Judas. Jesus does not belittle Judas, nor does Jesus call out to the rest of the disciples saying, �Judas just acknowledged it is him.� Instead Jesus has said what needs to be heard by others and Jesus confirmed His comment only to the one who was betraying Him. So often when we are hurt by others we feel like it is necessary to tell the world. LOOK THIS PERSON HURT ME. Instead we should do as Jesus did and confront directly the one who has hurt us compassionately with mercy, grace and offer hope of forgiveness by the action of our words. Jesus could have stood up and put Judas down in front of all the disciples, yet he chose to handle the matter privately with Judas. Yet Jesus also informed the disciples so the one who was guilty could redeem themselves and also when actions came about they would not be surprised by what had taken place. Jesus did this with compassionate love. In your hurts are you talking directly to the person who hurt you? If not be careful of talking to others because it only prolongs the hurt.