John 13:18-30

Betrayal Foretold

Daily S.O.A.P. Prompts

S – What verse stands out to me today?

O – What is God revealing about Jesus?

A – How should this change my life today?

P – What is my prayer in response?

Scripture

(John 13:18-30, NLT) 18 “I am not saying these things to all of you; I know the ones I have chosen. But this fulfills the Scripture that says, ‘The one who eats my food has turned against me.’ 19 I tell you this beforehand, so that when it happens you will believe that I Am the Messiah. 20 I tell you the truth, anyone who welcomes my messenger is welcoming me, and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming the Father who sent me.” 21 Now Jesus was deeply troubled, and he exclaimed, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me!” 22 The disciples looked at each other, wondering whom he could mean. 23 The disciple Jesus loved was sitting next to Jesus at the table. 24 Simon Peter motioned to him to ask, “Who’s he talking about?” 25 So that disciple leaned over to Jesus and asked, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus responded, “It is the one to whom I give the bread I dip in the bowl.” And when he had dipped it, he gave it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot. 27 When Judas had eaten the bread, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus told him, “Hurry and do what you’re going to do.” 28 None of the others at the table knew what Jesus meant. 29 Since Judas was their treasurer, some thought Jesus was telling him to go and pay for the food or to give some money to the poor. 30 So Judas left at once, going out into the night. 

Observation

• Jesus is referencing Judas as the one who turns against him. John is telling us that this was said so that they would later understand and believe that he is the Messiah. 

• To welcome the message is to welcome the messenger (Jesus), and to welcome Jesus is to welcome the Father who sent him. There is no separation. Jesus is divine. 

• The phrase “deeply troubled” is being used again in relationship to the disciple who would soon betray Jesus. 

• John and Peter ask Jesus who is the betrayer. Jesus reveals Judas when he gives him a piece of bread dipped in wine. The moment Judas eats the bread, John tells us, “Satan entered into him.”

• Jesus instructs Judas to do what he is going to do quickly. I notice the symbolism of Judas “going out into the night.” His act is a dark act. 

Application

• Betrayal is deeply troubling and terribly painful. 

• The mission of Jesus is more important than my feelings. 

Prayer

Dear Jesus, your example of loving a disciple who would eventually betray you is a lot to process. Like Peter, I want to strike him down. Yet you call us to love our enemy and pray for those who persecute us. God help me to know when to strike and when to be restrained. This world is so full of evil that needs to be addressed in the right way. Give me wisdom and discernment to navigate the complexities so that my witness will remain glorifying to you. In Jesus' name, amen!

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