Matthew 26:22

And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?

Matthew 26:22 (KJV)

Context

This verse is set during the Last Supper, the Passover meal Jesus shared with His twelve disciples in Jerusalem. Earlier in the evening, Jesus had taken bread and wine and given them new meaning as His body and blood, instituting what believers now call the Lord’s Supper. Then He made a startling announcement: one of the twelve who was eating with Him would betray Him. The disciples’ sorrowful response in this verse comes immediately after that revelation.

Meaning

The disciples were “exceeding sorrowful,” a phrase that captures deep grief and distress. Their love for Jesus made the thought of betraying Him almost unbearable. Each one, individually, asked, “Lord, is it I?” The Greek construction behind this question can express disbelief, as if they were saying, “Surely not I, Lord?” They did not point at Judas or assume their own innocence. Instead, each man turned his gaze inward and examined his own heart.

Their use of the title “Lord” is significant. Even in their distress, they acknowledged Jesus’ authority and turned to Him for truth. They trusted Him to search their hearts and reveal what they could not see in themselves. This combination of sorrow, humility, and trust marks the disciples’ response as a model of personal examination before Christ.

Biblical connections

Matthew notes that Judas asked the same question, even though he had already agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). This shows that outward words of loyalty can coexist with inward betrayal. Only Jesus knew the heart, and His searching words exposed what human words could hide.

Application

Like the disciples, we are capable of falling into sin, even when we love the Lord. Their question, “Lord, is it I?” invites us to practice honest self-reflection. Instead of comparing ourselves with others or assuming we would never betray Christ, we should humbly ask Him to reveal our weaknesses and motives. This kind of examination is not morbid self-doubt; it is the healthy discipline of a heart that wants to remain faithful.

We can also follow the disciples’ example of turning to Jesus for guidance. When we are uncertain about our own hearts, we should bring the question to Him in prayer, trusting His wisdom rather than our own understanding. And we should remember that even the closest followers of Jesus could not be certain of their own faithfulness apart from His grace. Our security rests not in our resolve, but in His keeping power.

Reflection

Jesus’ words at the table still search our hearts today. His question to the disciples becomes a question to us: will we examine ourselves, or will we assume we are safe? The disciples’ sorrowful question models the humility that welcomes Christ’s correction. May we, too, be willing to ask, “Lord, is it I?” and to receive whatever answer He gives with repentant hearts.