Matthew 26:23

‘And he answered and said, “He who dipped his hand with me in the dish, the same will betray me.” '

In the place where normally mention would be made of Israel's betrayal by Egypt Jesus then replied that the one who would betray Him would be one of those who was dipping his hand in the dish with Him. This dish probably referred to the dishes of bitter herbs dipped in salted water which in typical Jewish fashion were shared. All would be dipping in it together. But it was a poignant reminder to Judas of the enormity of his betrayal, while simply indicating to the remainder that it was one who was present at the meal. The particular activity He described, which indicated friendship and fellowship, would come home poignantly to the one to whom He was hinting, without being obvious to all (we have no indication at any stage that any of them recognised that He meant Judas). It was, however, an indication of the unforgivable perfidy of the person in question. In Middle Eastern eyes to eat from the same dish was an expression of loyalty and friendship. It was not considered honourable to do it with someone towards whom there was an intention to act with hostile intent (compare Psalms 41:9). Thus it heightened the level of betrayal.