[The Bible is an “Eastern” book.  It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.”  As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.]

The event referred to as “The Last Supper,” took place shortly before Jesus Christ was arrested.  There were many significant things that happened that evening.  In a previous post I talked about Jesus washing their feet.

Another item of great significance which is often overlooked is Jesus giving Judas “the sop.”

A Traitor Among Them!

By the time of the meal, Judas had already arranged to betray Jesus Christ for thirty pieces of silver.  It was a very dastardly act to say the least.  But also by the time of the meal, Jesus already knew who the traitor was.

Mark 14:18-20:
And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.

And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?

And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.

Matthew 26:25
Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

So at this point, Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray him and Judas knew that Jesus knew he was the traitor.  And yet, Jesus gave Judas “the sop.”  Understanding the biblical custom of giving someone, “the sop,” I don’t think I could have ever given it to Judas.

The Seating Arrangement

The two most honored seats at a meal were those to the right and left of the host or the master.  That means that the disciple whom Jesus loved, who rested his head on Jesus’ bosom, an act of deep concern, love, and intimate friendship, was sitting in a position of honor at that meal.

Likewise, for Jesus to be able to give Judas the sop, he too was sitting very close to Jesus,  possibly in the other honored position.

The Sop

The word “sop” simply means a small portion, a morsel, or a fragment.  That is still common today whether in a serving bowl or on your plate, although we don’t really use the word “sop.”  We use words like, “a little dab,” a little piece,” “a small bite,” etc.  So, “sop” is just a word for a small piece of food.

In Bible times there would have been a common dish at the meal.  Their bread was flat, thin and round.  It was very common to dip a piece of bread into the common dish and wrap the bread around a small piece of food, a sop.  Perhaps this was a forerunner of fajitas, I don’t know!

But when the host would dip his piece of bread into the dish, and then give the sop to someone, that was very, very significant. The host or master of the house would give the sop to the person to whom he wanted to show his greatest love and esteem.

He did that by dipping into the common dish and then placing the sop in the person’s mouth.  In doing that, he would show to all those present, and to the person receiving the sop, the love and honor he had for him.

Incredible Love

Jesus knew that Judas was about to betray him.  Yet, there he sat, quite possibly in a position of honor at the meal, and Jesus gave him the sop.  By extending so much honor and love to Judas, Jesus gave him a chance to change his plans.

But God gives all us free will to choose.  Even an act of love and honor directly and personally from the Lord Jesus Christ himself does not guarantee that someone will do what is right.

John 13:21 – 30
When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.

Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.

Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.

He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?

Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.

And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.

Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.

For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.

He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.

I think that was a remarkable and extraordinary example of love by Jesus Christ?  What do you think?  Any comments?

Mike Verdicchio

————–

For other posts just click “The Eastern Eye” tab above.

There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the eastern culture in which the Bible was written.  The best I know of were written by by Bishop K. C. Pillai.  I have had the pleasure of listening to recorded teaching by him.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced.  But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)