March 28, 2018
John 13:21-32 New Living Translation
In our passage today, we read about the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. Betrayal will always be an ongoing issue in life. Betrayal has to do with a violation of trust. The Bible describes betrayal as an enemy masquerading as a friend. An common example of this definition would be someone saying nice things to your face to gain your favor, but verbally criticizing you when he or she is with others in order to make himself or herself look better. People do it all the time and think nothing of it, but Scripture teaches it is sin. It is similar to the sin of gossip but leaves deeper wounds and it is built on the foundation of arrogance/pride. Maybe you have tasted betrayal; if so, be comforted because Jesus understands.
How does Jesus treat his betrayer? Jesus loves him. It can only be done by submitting to the grace and power of God Almighty. Jesus stays focus on his mission, forgives Judas, and keeps seeking to please the Father. He did not let this single betrayer taint him from loving and trusting his other friends. And, God was glorified.
John 13:21-32
13:21 After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, “Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.”
13:22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking.
13:23 One of his disciples–the one whom Jesus loved–was reclining next to him;
13:24 Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking.
13:25 So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?”
13:26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot.
13:27 After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “Do quickly what you are going to do.”
13:28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him.
13:29 Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the festival”; or, that he should give something to the poor.
13:30 So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.
13:31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him.
13:32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for this valuable lesson from your Word. Please help me to be a loyal friend and keep me focused on pleasing you abo