The dismissal of Judas.
The departure of the traitor was necessary to the full disclosure of all that our Lord had in store for his beloved disciples.
I. MARK THE EMOTION OF OUR LORD. "He was troubled in spirit."
1. Not on account of wounded love.
2. Nor from horror at the conduct of Judas.
3. Nor from pity for his approaching doom.
4. But, as the word ( πνεῦμα) signifies, from the shock that was caused by the thought of the fearful crime about to be committed at the instigation of Satan.
II. MARK OUR LORD'S OPEN IDENTIFICATION OF THE TRAITOR. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me." The statement proved the omniscience of Jesus. Judas had as yet done nothing to excite suspicion of his treachery.
1. Mark the astonishment and perplexity of the disciples. "Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake."
2. The anxiety of Peter to discover the traitor.
(a) This act was one more appeal to the conscience of Judas.
(b) Judas received the sop, as if to mark his fellowship with Jesus; but it only gave additional point to the ancient prophecy, "Mine own familiar friend, who did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me."
(c) Judas was thus made known to John only.
3. The traitor opening his heart to Satan. "And after the sop Satan entered into him."
4. Our Lord dismisses Judas from his presence. "That thou doest, do quickly."
5. The perplexity of the disciples at our Lord's command to Judas.
6. The departure of Judas. "He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night."