hispered question of Judas on the other, "Is it I, Rabbi?" He
watched for the sign which Jesus said He would give. The morsel was
given to Judas. That was more than a sign, more than kindness to an
unworthy guest; it was the last of thousands of loving acts to one whom
Jesus had chosen, taught and warned--yet was a traitor. Of that moment
John makes special note. Having told us that at the beginning of the
supper "the devil ... put into the heart of Judas ... to betray," he
says, "After the sop, Satan entered into him." As he saw Judas, with a
heart of stone and without a trembling hand, coolly take the morsel from
that hand of love, he realized that the evil one had indeed taken
possession of him whose heart he had stirred at the feast of Bethany.

It must have been a relief to John when he heard the Lord bid Judas
depart, though "no man at the table knew for what intent."

"He then having received the sop went out straightway,"--out from that
most consecrated room; out from the companionship of the Apostles in
which he had proved himself unfit to share; out from the most hallowed
associations of earth; out from the most inspiring influences with which
man was ever blessed; out from the teachings, warnings, invitations and
loving care of his only Saviour. "When Satan entered into him, he went
out from the presence of Christ, as Cain went out from the presence of
the Lord." As John spoke of the departure, no wonder he added, "It was
night." His words mean to us more than the darkness outside that room
illumined by the lamp which Peter and John had lighted. They are
suggestive of the darkness of the traitor's soul, contrasted with the
"Light of the World" in that room, to whose blessed beams he then closed
his eyes forever. Night--the darkest night--was the most fitting symbol
for the deeds to follow. Possessed by Satan, Judas went out to be
"guide to them that took Jesus." To them, two hours later, He who was
the Light of the World said, "This is your hour and the power of
darkness."

It was when "he was gone out" that Christ called the disciples by a new
name, and gave them a new commandment. In both of them John took a
special interest which he showed long after. That name was "Little
Children." The word which Christ used had a peculiar meaning. This is
the only time we know of His ever using it. It was an expression of the
tenderest affection for His family, so soon to be orphaned by His death.
When John wrote his