²⁸ Now no one of those reclining at the table knew for what purpose He had said this to him. ²⁹ For some were supposing, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus was saying to him, “Buy the things we have need of for the feast”; or else, that he should give something to the poor.

superficial reading of this verse may breed incredulity. How could the disciples not possibly have understood what was really happening after what Jesus said? After all, He told them the meaning of dipping the morsel of bread and giving it to one of them. As with all of Scripture reading, we must approach it with an open, studious mind, digging deeper than the surface. Significant events are often conveyed in rather brief form, so it makes sense that all the details are not given. As much as possible we need to recreate the scenario in a way that makes sense.

The orientation of this meal for at least 13 people (possibly there were others with them), the method of seating (or we should say reclining, with legs and feet extending away from the table), the mood and the confusion all play a role in picturing what was happening. So unimaginable was it that any of them would betray the Master, around whom they had gathered and for whom they sacrificed everything, that even the suggestion of betrayal brought absolute confusion. To be sure, they had all struggled with understanding their enigmatic Leader and they had all fallen short of His expectations, Peter was the most noteworthy example of this when Jesus said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s” (Mt 16:23). Pretty harsh interpretation of Peter’s actions. But treachery? It couldn’t be!

Now Judas appears to have been the treasurer of the group; he “had the money box.” It was he that expressed overt concern for the poor (John 12:3-5) coupled with indignation over a lavish honor bestowed on Jesus. His issue was “… not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box, he used to pilfer what was put into it” (John 12:6). By the time of the Upper Room, his duplicity was exposed by Jesus, as Matthew records: “And Judas, who was betraying Him, said, ‘Surely it is not I, Rabbi?’ Jesus said to him, ‘You have said it yourself’” (Matt 26:25). Apparently no one else heard this interchange.

The self-doubts, unbelief and confusion of the disciples blinded them to the meaning of Jesus’ words. How much does that also happen to us?

Lord, I confess to wallowing in self-doubts and superficial thinking which blind me to understanding Your Word. Thank You for not giving up on me.