Jesus Prediction of His Betrayal
December 30, 2019
Commentary
In this passage, Christ told His disciples to brace themselves because He was leaving. He clearly stated that one of the disciples would betray Him (vv. 21-22). The disciples were shocked in amazement and looked at each other in disbelief (v. 23). Simon Peter, the leader of the twelve, wanted to deal with the traitor. He motioned for John, who was seated next to Jesus to ask, “Who is it?” (v. 24). Jesus did not identify this traitor by name but stated that He would give the sop to the betrayer (vv. 25-26). Sop was a piece of bread dipped in sauce, usually given as a token of friendship which shows that the Lord loved Judas even in betrayal.
Satan then entered into Judas and took full possession of him. Jesus told him whatever he was going to do, to do it quickly (v. 27). It is apparent that the disciples did not understand what Jesus was saying or what Judas was doing (v. 28). Christ had addressed His statement about the sop to John, and consequently, he was the only one who understood its implications. Perhaps the other disciples simply thought that since Judas was the treasurer, he was going out to buy some food for the Passover (v. 29). Jesus had very plainly identified Judas. However, many of the disciples seemed to still be oblivious to his treachery (v. 29). The people heard but did not understand. They assumed that an angel had spoken to Him.
As Judas went out from them to betray Jesus, it was night, and he was surrounded by darkness (v. 30). This symbolizes the evil and sin surrounding the action of Judas. The instant Judas was gone, the atmosphere changed, and Jesus began to instruct His disciples to prepare them for His crucifixion and His return to heaven.
Application
One of the things that impresses me the most about Jesus is how He prepared His disciples and related to Judas. What can I apply from this passage in my dealing with people?
John 13:21– 30 (NET)
21 When he had said these things, Jesus was greatly distressed in spirit, and testified, “I tell you the solemn truth, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples began to look at one another, worried and perplexed to know which of them he was talking about. 23 One of his disciples, the one Jesus loved, was at the table to the right of Jesus in a place of honor. 24 So Simon Peter gestured to this disciple to ask Jesus who it was he was referring to. 25 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved leaned back against Jesus’ chest and asked him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus replied, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread after I have dipped it in the dish.” Then he dipped the piece of bread in the dish and gave it to Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son. 27 And after Judas took the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” 28 (Now none of those present at the table understood why Jesus said this to Judas. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the money box, Jesus was telling him to buy whatever they needed for the feast, or to give something to the poor.) 30 Judas took the piece of bread and went out immediately. (Now it was night.)
Illustration: Betrayal by a Friend Brutus
No treachery is worse than betrayal by a family member or friend. Julius Caesar knew such treachery. Among the conspirators who assassinated the Roman leader on March 15, 44 B. C. was Marcus Julius Brutus. Caesar not only trusted Brutus, he had favored him as a son. According to Roman historians, Caesar first resisted the onslaught of the assassins, but when he saw Brutus among them with his dagger drawn, Caesar ceased to struggle, and pulling the top part of his robe over his face, asked the famous question, “You too, Brutus?” (Today in the Word, August 13, 1992).