Judas gets up and leaves supper. Until then, he could have changed his decision; but after he left, he had crossed a boundary, and Satan took control of him.

Jesus left nothing undone to reach him, even offered him the symbols of divine life working in us. But Judas hardened himself more, and Jesus reaches out to him one more time before he leaves, partly for him and partly for the others. He wants them to know that he knows what's coming, so they can believe he is the "I AM." He doesn't want them to think he is surprised by the betrayal and events following it.

Long afterwards, the disciples were amazed at the patience and mercy of God towards Judas. The King of the universe, to whom everyone on earth will bow, knelt and washed the feet of his betrayer!

Jesus' example shows us not to carelessly leave those choosing poorly to be a prey to temptation, driven onto Satan's battlefield. It also forbids us to be exclusive with our communion symbols. Who of us can read the heart?

A Judas may be at your communion, accompanied by messengers of darkness, but unseen angels of light are also present, and those who want to come shouldn't be discouraged. The one who washed Judas' feet longs to wash every heart, take our guilt and shame, and energize us with his presence.

In a very real special sense, this service connects dependent humans with God, meeting our needs and creating joy in us.

John 13:25-30