Love and Betrayal

John 13:18-30.

In our text, today, Jesus is now preparing for His coming betrayal.

As we studied last week, in spite of what would seem to be a disaster- Being betrayed by one of your own-

Jesus shows a profound and certainly defining amount of grace and love in the foot washing process- Even including Judas, His soon to be Betrayer.

All of this a foreshadow of His coming Ultimate Sacrificial death on the cross for all of Humanity.

Hopefully, this episode will help some who may be struggling with the complexities of the hurts and pains that come from most human relationships-

Probably the worst of which is the betrayal coming from the ones closest to us.

We will see how Jesus gives us the perfect example of how to respond to what may seem to us to be the deep cutting hurts that come from that type of huge disappointments in our relationships.

In the face of such violations of trust and love, our Lord and Saviour still calls us to respond as He did- With Grace and Forgiveness.

The key point being, that Love should never be based on circumstances- But anchored in a mutual promise of commitment and sacrifice.

Jesus’ reactions to His betrayal also serves to remind us that such betrayals or violations of trust should not have the final say in our lives.

Christs love is able to pierce deep into the darkest moments of our lives to reveal His never-ending, never-failing love and commitment to each of us.

With this overview in balance, lets take a deeper dive into the text....

1. Purpose in the Plan

John 13:18–20 ESV

I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”

In verses 18-20, Jesus clearly indicates that He is firmly in control of events.

Confirming His identity and His mission, by quoting the OT, which the Disciples were keenly aware of.

Psalm 41:9 ESV

Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.

Once again demonstrating His Deity, and tying His Messianic mission to OT prophecy, Jesus is validating His Divine mission for the Disciples.

And while looking betrayal in the face- In Judas, and also washing his feet along with the rest of the Disciples-

How does Jesus’ foreknowledge of His betrayal demonstrate His divine nature, and what implications does this have for our understanding of God’s sovereignty?

Jesus never wavers from His purpose and His over-arching love for all of humanity.

This is an example that we can lean on and hold fast to- Even in the face of personal loss and deceit from those closest to us.

We can be encouraged to stand strong in our relationship with Christ- Bought by the blood of His ultimate sacrifice for us.

Holding to that same, unwavering love and sense of purpose that Christ showed on our behalf.

But let us not be deceived- There is a price to be paid for this sacrificial giving- as we will see next.

2. Pain and Compassion

John 13:21–25 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?”

In one of His most “human” moments, Jesus now grieves in His heart at what is about to be revealed.

I find it quite telling that, in spite of everything that has happened at this Passover Supper, the other 11 Disciples seem to be oblivious to what is coming next.

Each man should have known in his own heart if he was considering betraying their Messiah.

You have to ask yourself, Did they really think that somehow, something would turn their hearts at the last moment.

Did they possibly consider that Jesus would somehow conjure up an evil desire in one of them?

By the text of the Synoptic Gospels, Each one of the Disciples, questions Jesus, “Is it I?”

Probably shouting over each other to ask the question- Jesus shows the highest standard of self control and composure, in the face of all the calamity.

What can we learn from the disciples’ reaction to Jesus’ prediction of betrayal, particularly their own uncertainty and self-doubt?

John’s account hints at the fact that for all of his bravado and past impulsive behavior, Peter defers to John to ask the question.

Just as Jesus experienced betrayal from a beloved disciple, so too can we expect pain in our own relationships.

The biblical narrative does not shy away from illustrating the human condition. In ancient Rome, many faced betrayal — soldiers, leaders, even family — amidst the backdrop of political intrigue.

This teaches us that pain is part of our journey, but it does not diminish God’s compassion or the grace that He provides to heal and restore.

How does understanding Christ’s impending betrayal deepen our appreciation of His sacrificial love?

Does it challenge us at all? That is a question only each of us can answer.

3. Grace Revealed

John 13:26–30 ESV

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.

The moment of Judas’ betrayal is not just a historical fact but a lens to reflect on the nature of grace.

As Jesus offers Judas the piece of bread, symbolizing trust and acceptance, it stands in stark contrast to Judas’s impending act.

Throughout history, many have faced similar moral dilemmas where compassion and betrayal intersect.

This biblical scene invites us to embrace the complexity of divine purpose, reminding us that grace can prevail amidst our greatest pains.

When Jesus predicts His betrayal, it evokes a sense of profound sorrow and compassion.

Despite knowing Judas would betray Him, Jesus shares a meal, symbolizing fellowship and love.

This mirrors the deep emotional and spiritual realities of life, where we encounter pain and betrayal.

Historically, these experiences shape us, allowing us to learn compassion toward each other — to reflect the grace we’ve received from Christ, even when it feels hardest to do so.

Just as in the washing of the feet of Judas, His betrayer, Jesus now extends to Judas the morsel of bread- In that culture, the ultimate sign of deep friendship.

And Like everything else about Jesus’ nature- He offers Love, Compassion and Grace in the face of betrayal and deceit.

In a clear example of “Turning the other cheek” Jesus shows us how to respond to those that have hurt us and caused us deep grievous pain and heartache.

We are to show Grace when wronged by others.

That does not mean we forget or simply dismiss that hurt and pain.

But Forgiving the one who caused the pain, is much more for our benefit than theirs.

An unforgiving soul is where the roots of bitterness are planted.

Bitterness is an emotion that does the greatest damage to the person carrying it.

Forgiveness releases the bitterness so that the pain and hurt no longer has a hold on us.

True sacrificial love should rise above the hurts, pains and discomforts of this life.

Christ’s response to Judas invites each of us to replicate His forgiving nature-

Trusting fully that His love will always overcome any evil that comes our way.

In what ways can we emulate Jesus’ response to betrayal in our personal lives?

What are practical steps we can take to respond with grace and forgiveness after experiencing betrayal?

In what practical ways can we cultivate a spirit of forgiveness and grace in our daily lives, especially when faced with betrayal or deep hurt?