What does Mark 14:20 mean?

John adds more detail. Jesus more specifically says, "It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it" (John 13:26). He then gives it to Judas. At that moment, Satan enters Judas, Jesus dismisses Judas, and Judas leaves to coordinate with the priests (John 13:27, 30). Since none of the Gospels record both Judas' exit and the Lord's Supper, it's unlcear if Judas was physically present for the Lord's Supper (Mark 14:22–25). John 13:21–30 suggests that Judas leaves immediately after Jesus gives the warning. Focusing on other details, John doesn't mention the Lord's Supper, so it's impossible to know for sure. The "dip" Jesus uses for the bread is the bitter herbs which are part of the Passover ceremony, not the wine that represents Jesus' blood. If Judas is present for the Lord's Supper, it is further proof that adhering to rituals doesn't save a person's soul.

Even if Judas isn't present for the Lord' Supper, sharing that specific meal with Jesus is still a great personal and cultural betrayal. In Middle Eastern culture, the table is a sacred place. To share a meal with someone is to promise their safety. Judas is so caught in the throes of his own desires that he can't be stopped by cultural custom or personal loyalty. It may be Satan who makes him stand up and walk out the door, but the fact that Judas has followed Jesus for three years and wants to arrange His arrest for money is his sin alone.

And yet, Peter is there. Peter does accept Jesus' bread and wine, and pledges to remain faithful (Mark 14:29–31). He won't, of course. He will sit at Jesus' table and accept the first communion, and hours later deny ever having known Jesus (Mark 14:66–72). His weakness, however, is not the apostasy of Judas. He will be forgiven and restored (John 21:15–19). He will receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1–4), become a powerful preacher (Acts 2:14–41), and, legend says, be crucified upside-down in devotion to Jesus.

Judas is the definition of an apostate: someone who hears the gospel, understands it to a degree, and categorically rejects it. Peter is every believer: we accept Christ, but must continually return to Him in repentance for our weaknesses. Fortunately, Jesus is always willing to forgive those who ask sincerely.