Scripture: John 13:20-30 (ESV)
After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus' side, so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.
If you have lived on earth for some time then you have felt the sting of betrayal. Betrayal comes in a myriad of forms, from friends sharing your secrets to spouses being unfaithful. Betrayals cut deep, because the person you trusted ended up being untrustworthy. In this passage, we see the beginning of the most infamous betrayal in history. Judas, one of Jesus’ closest friends, turning against Him.
But Jesus knew what was about to happen. In the verses just before this he quoted Psalm 41 saying “He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.” This is a reference to betrayal and Jesus wants his disciples, and us, to know that nothing is catching him off guard. This betrayal is part of the story, part of the plan, and even though it is painful, it’s nevertheless necessary. This moment is heavy, and the weight of what’s coming presses down on Jesus. John tells us that he is “troubled in His spirit.” But still, Jesus does something that shows his love. Even knowing that Judas would betray him, Jesus takes a piece of bread, dips it and gives it to Judas. In the Ancient Near Eastern culture, this was a sign of friendship and honour. In some ways, Jesus offers Judas one last moment of grace, but instead “Satan entered into him” and Judas goes off to betray Jesus.
I often think of this passage. It shows us that we can look like Jesus’ disciple on the outside and yet still have hearts of stone. Judas had walked and talked with Jesus, he had seen his miracles, and even saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead. And still he turned away in the end. Jesus himself had predicted that even if people saw his resurrection power, they would still resist his lordship. This is exactly what Judas does.
But what about us? Having all the blessings of being in the church and seeing all the good that Jesus, through the Holy Spirit does even today, where do we resist his lordship over our lives?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, please help me to love you deeply in my heart. Help me to have a deep personal and living relationship with you. Amen.
Spiritual Challenge:
Think of one area in your life where you are resisting Jesus’ lordship over your life. Commit to submitting to him in this space too.
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