The answer is: Dipped a piece of bread and passed it to him

Matthew 26:23 - a custom to take a piece of bread or meat wrapped in bread and dip it in a bowl of sauce.

In the unforgettable moment of betrayal, Jesus employs a custom that speaks volumes about his relationship with those at the table. When he dips a piece of bread and shares it with Judas Iscariot, this act is tinged with intimacy—a sign of deep fellowship, not just a casual meal. In Matthew 26:23, it gives us an insight into how betrayal can sting doubly when it comes from someone close to you.

Now, let's consider the significance of bread itself. In the ancient Near East, sharing bread symbolized friendship and unity. So when Judas accepted the dipped morsel, it highlighted the profound contrast between trust and treachery. In doing this, Jesus wasn’t just pointing out Judas—he was modeling compassion in the face of impending heartbreak.

Interestingly, dipping bread was a custom referenced multiple times in Scripture. Psalm 41:9 notes a betrayal from someone "whom I trusted, who ate my bread," marrying a timeless experience of disloyalty which transcends cultures. Jesus deliberately invoked this legacy of personal pain while emphasizing his unwavering love, suggesting that betrayal doesn’t differ in its depth, regardless of time or circumstance.

Moreover, after this moment, the story unfolds rather dramatically. Imagine how those around the table must have felt, with jaws dropped and hearts racing. Which gets us thinking—could it be that this act opened their eyes, subtly shaking them into promissory realization before stormy events unfolded? It sets the stage beautifully for discussions of loyalty, forgiveness, and the delicate human condition that carries through even to us today.