The Passage
John 13:21-30
21 After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. 23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus’ side, 24 so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 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. 27 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” 28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 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. 30 So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.
Word Work
Capture the big idea. God’s Word communicates big ideas. Periodically ask: What’s the big idea in this sentence, paragraph, or chapter?
Word Thoughts:
The troubling of Jesus’ spirit in the upper room (v. 21) was simply the firstfruits of the agony he would experience later that same evening in the garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:36–46). Earlier in his Gospel, John shared the legend of the healing waters of the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1–17). When the waters were “stirred up” (5:7; the same word translated “troubled” in 13:21), healing was reputedly given to the first person who stepped in (see ESV footnote on 5:3). With Jesus, salvation is not merely reputed but is guaranteed for all who trust in him. All who call on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Notice the stark contrast between John, the disciple who leans against Jesus’ side (13:23), and Judas, the disciple who betrays him unto death. Only sovereign grace can explain the difference. (1)
Word Reflection:
- What stood out?
- Jesus is God - why was His Spirit so troubled?
- If Jesus knew Judas was going to betray Him, why did He let Him?
Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.
End in Prayer
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