One of You Will Betray Me
Scripture Passage: John 13:21-30 (NASB)
21 When Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, that one of you will betray Me.” 22 The disciples began looking at one another, at a loss to know of which one He was speaking. 23 There was reclining on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24 So Simon Peter gestured to him, and said to him, “Tell us who it is of whom He is speaking.” 25 He, leaning back thus on Jesus’ bosom, said to Him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus then answered, “That is the one for whom I shall dip the morsel and give it to him.” So when He had dipped the morsel, He took and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 After the morsel, Satan then entered into him. Therefore Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” 28 Now no one of those reclining at the table knew for what purpose He had said this to him. 29 For some were supposing, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus was saying to him, “Buy the things we have need of for the feast”; or else, that he should give something to the poor. 30 So after receiving the morsel he went out immediately; and it was night.
SUMMARY
Jesus told the disciples that one of them will betray Him. This was not only very hurtful and painful to Jesus but also a great shock to the disciples. They looked around wondering who He was referring to. When Simon Peter asked Jesus, He revealed that it was Judas by handing a morsel of bread to Judas. However, they didn’t understand because passing delicious food simply meant an act of kindness in Jewish culture. Satan immediately entered Judas and Jesus told him, “What you do, do it quickly” (v. 27). Jesus knew this was going to happen and it was painful for Him to see Judas go into the hands of the devil. And upon receiving the morsel, Judas went out immediately; and it was night (v. 30).
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
Can you imagine how painful this must’ve been for Jesus? He knew from earlier on what was going on, “During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him…” (v. 2) Jesus was “troubled” not just because of Judas’ betrayal but because the devil had infiltrated his heart. This is a guy who Jesus spent numerous hours and days with sharing many moments together and pouring out His heart to. It must’ve been unbearable to watch him slip right into the hands of the enemy and step into the darkness.
I’m sure Jesus wanted to stop Judas and could’ve but instead He told him, “What you do, do quickly” (v. 27). He had known in advance that Judas was going to betray Him but He didn’t let His emotion take over Him nor take the matter into His own hands. Jesus only had one thing in mind and that was to fulfill His calling in God’s time. He stayed faithful and obedient to the will of the Father. As I reflect, I realize the pain and suffering I go through in life are just temporary and not worth getting worked up over. Someone will offend me and someone will hurt me. Whether it’s intentional or not it’s unavoidable and it’s going to happen throughout my life. I need to remember to take it into perspective and NOT let it blind me from my path to Jesus. I need to stay focused and faithful to Jesus and let Jesus lead me to His calling.
APPLICATION
Whenever I feel betrayed I get preoccupied with many thoughts. I toss and turn at night and run through the scenario over and over in my head. It’s a very draining process and I also sometimes just end up lashing out on my family. This passage reminded me that the more I do this the more I am letting the enemy take space in my heart. Rather than do what I normally do, I will instead go to Jesus and vent my feelings and thoughts and ask for His wisdom and guidance. He is ultimately the only one who knows me and transcends all understanding. I will also be more responsible for my thoughts and actions. The devil empowered Judas but it was Judas who actually took the action. He had a choice and he chose to betray Jesus. Likewise, I cannot blame the enemy for all my doings. I will guard my heart and stay alert from the enemy by engaging in the word through daily QT and meditation.
PRAYER
Thank You Jesus for Your sacrifice to save us from our sins and for our salvation. I know I have “troubled” You numerously and I have let my emotions take control over me rather than letting You take control over me. Thank You for Your unconditional love even though I have “betrayed” You so many times. Father, I am weak, I am distracted, I am scared, and I am preoccupied with worries that take up so much of my time and take me away from You. Help me God so that I don’t let the enemy take my heart captive and distract me from my path to You. Help me to stay strong and stand alongside of You no matter what I may be feeling and what I may be facing. Please provide me with Your strength and protection to overcome the enemy and not get distracted by the trials and tribulation of the world. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!
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