Mark 14:17-18

‘And when it was evening he comes with the twelve, and as they reclined and were eating Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, one of you will betray me, even one who eats with me.” '

Having taken His precautions to keep the venue secret Jesus waited until evening and then brought the twelve to the house. He then waited until they were eating, and informed ‘the twelve' that one of them would betray Him (deliver Him up, hand Him over). ‘Even one who eats with me.' There may be a reference here to Psalms 41:9, ‘Yes, my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate of my bread, has lifted up his heel against me', and see John 13:18. The thought in the Psalm is of the one who considers the poor, whom God sustains, but who is thought the worst of by His enemies and is rejected by his bosom friend. In the Near East to eat with someone was to make a declaration of friendship and peace. To then act against that person was seen as unforgivable. Thus Judas act in reclining at the table with Him and eating from the same dish was doubly treacherous.

We can imagine the stunned horror, the unbelief that filled the disciples. How could Jesus say this? He had only to tell them who it was and Judas would have been restrained immediately. But Jesus was still trying to reach Judas. He wanted him to know that He knew all about what he was planning to do. He would try to the end to reach him. His words were intended to make Judas aware of the heinousness of what he was doing. This is why in the end Judas loses our sympathy. He was given every opportunity but hardened his heart.

‘Reclined.' They lay on small carpets with their elbows on cushions.