“Surely it is not I, Rabbi?’  (Matt. 26:25)

One of the Twelve called Judas, before Passover had arrived,
asked the chief priests what they’d pay for the wicked plot contrived.
Thirty silver pieces paid, to perform this sinful deed.
And from that time Judas looked to do what was agreed.

It was the first day of the feast, the feast of Unleavened Bread.
The disciples approached Jesus, and to Him they said:
Where shall we prepare for you the Passover to eat?
It’s there that, for Passover, they’d have the wine and wheat.

They should go into the city, and to a certain man relate:
“My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate…”
The disciples did as Jesus ordered.  There it was they’d dine.
When evening came, at table, Jesus with the twelve reclined.

Jesus’ words while dining must have had the Twelve dismayed,
Amen, I say to you, by one of you I will be betrayed.
The disciples were distressed, and asked the dreaded question thus:
Surely it is not I LORD?  They asked their LORD they loved so much.

“He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me,
Is the one who will betray me.” This betrayal we now see.
Woe to that man by whom the Son of God is betrayed.
This was the sentiment which Jesus to them relayed.

Jesus told His disciples, who must by now have been forlorn,
It would be better if His betrayer never had been born.
‘Surely it is not I Rabbi?” said Judas with evil intent.
Jesus confirmed to Judas, to betrayal Judas would consent.

This betrayal of Judas is our betrayal too.
For there is not one among us that has not abandoned You.
Let us no more betray You, LORD.  but to Your holy laws assent.
Dear Jesus, may we never more from Your holy laws dissent.

Judas called you Rabbi.  We call you forever LORD.
You are the King of all the earth, our Maker we adore.
We love you LORD Jesus, and will trust you all our days
For all that you suffered, for the error of our ways.
Forgive us all LORD Jesus.  Beside us forever stay.