John 13:18-30
Notes
Transcript
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.”
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.
The Exclusion and Foreknowledge (vv. 18–19)
Jesus begins by clarifying that his blessing doesn’t extend to all his disciples, asserting his knowledge of whom he has chosen. (John 13:18–30) This statement follows immediately after pronouncing blessedness on those who practice his teachings, creating a stark contrast. By excluding the betrayer from this promise, Jesus leaves only Judas aware of his own exclusion from the blessing.1
Jesus grounds his announcement in Scripture, quoting Psalm 41:9: “He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.” (John 13:18–30) Sharing bread symbolized close fellowship and genuine friendship and trust1, making the betrayal profoundly intimate. Judas’s act involves both inner pain—an injury—and outward rejection of the Master.1 By revealing this beforehand, Jesus intends to strengthen the disciples’ faith when the betrayal occurs. (John 13:18–30)
The Announcement of Betrayal (vv. 21–22)
Troubled in spirit, Jesus testifies that one of them will betray him, leaving the disciples uncertain and confused about his meaning. (John 13:18–30) The announcement doesn’t immediately direct their suspicion toward Judas; instead, they simply stare at one another in bewilderment.1
The Identification (vv. 23–26)
The beloved disciple, reclining at Jesus’ side, becomes the intermediary when Peter signals him to ask Jesus to identify the betrayer. (John 13:18–30) The beloved disciple leans back against Jesus and asks directly, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus responds by identifying the one to whom he will give the dipped morsel of bread, then gives it to Judas. (John 13:18–30) The whispered nature of this exchange explains why the other disciples don’t recognize the significance of Jesus giving bread to Judas.1
The Departure (vv. 27–30)
After receiving the morsel, Satan enters Judas. (John 13:18–30) Jesus commands him, “What you are going to do, do quickly,” (John 13:18–30) yet the disciples misinterpret this instruction, thinking Jesus directs Judas to purchase provisions or give to the poor. (John 13:18–30) Judas immediately departs into the night (John 13:18–30)—a detail laden with symbolic significance, as darkness represents the spiritual realm he now serves.
1Jerry Batson, Explore the Bible: Adult Commentary: John 13–21 (Winter 2002-03) (LifeWay Christian Resources, 2003), 18.
v. 18: Jesus says He chose them. Why would he have chose Judas knowing he would eventually betray him? Did He know (God/Man Paradigm)
v. 19 It seems like he knows the what is to come therefore informing his statement in v. 18
v. 20 Referring to the Holy Spirit, Discipleship
Interesting question: Did Judas know he was betraying him? The other disciples had know idea. I offer another possibility that Judas could not have been intentionally deceiving all of the disciples has they clearly did not know who Jesus was referring to (v.22) Is it possible Judas refused to align himself with the image of the Messiah that Jesus was speaking about and thought He knew better and therefore in Judas’ mind he was actually help Jesus become the Messiah that would over through the powers because Jesus would be forced to act militarily? Just a thought.
To go off of this thought. Satan was manipulating Judas’ rational thought process with pride that lead to rebellion and betrayal.
