THE BETRAYAL – John 13:21-38
In our text, we have the account of Judas’ betrayal; but more importantly, we see the
steadfastness of our Savior’s love. This message is an encouraging reminder to us of God’s
unshakable love, despite the unfaithfulness of mankind.
(v.21) The notion that Jesus was somehow sheltered from the emotional,
mental, physical, and spiritual pain of human suffering is refuted here.
(Hebrews 4:15-16) For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our
weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come
boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
He who came to heal the brokenhearted, was (is) often brokenhearted
Himself, because of the hardness of our hearts.
(v.22-26) - (v.22) In Mark’s account (Mark 14), the disciples wondered out
loud, “Is it I?”; and Matthew records (Matthew 26) the disciples said, “Lord,
is it I?”; even Judas chimed in saying, “Rabbi, is it I?” to which Jesus replied,
“You have said it.” (v.23) The one leaning upon the bosom of Christ is John,
the author of the gospel of John. He describes himself as the one “whom
Jesus loved,” a testament of his personal knowledge of God’s love!
Peter motions to John to ask Jesus who it was that would betray Him. The
response of the disciples in (v.29) promotes the idea that perhaps only John
and Judas were fully aware of what Jesus meant when He passed the bread
to Judas (v.26). (v.27-29). The cluelessness of the disciples was in part due to
Jewish tradition; when the host (Jesus) gave a morsel of bread to his guest, it
was considered a gesture of friendship.
It is significant to point out that Jesus dipped the unleavened bread in the
“sop”; the sop, more than likely, was the broth of bitter herbs prepared for
the Paschal (Passover) meal. The “bitter herbs” helped the Israelites to remember their
bitter experience as an enslaved people in Egypt for 400 years. (Genesis 15:3; Exodus 1:14; 12:8;
Numbers 9:11). The “bread of Life,” Christ sitting at the table, would taste the “bitter herbs” of
betrayal, at the hand of one He loved deeply! (v.29) Judas seemed to have had
everyone fooled but Jesus. John points out (v.30b), “And it was night,” as if
to say, betrayal is the act of abandoning the light for darkness. Many today, like
Judas, often leave before the meal is over, as evidence of their betrayal.
Notice: As with Judas, God will not force our allegiance to Him (v.27b). In
fact, after multiple attempts to turn us away from sin, God will allow us to
have what we want. However, with compromise, comes consequences.
(Psalm 106:13-15) They soon forgot His works; They did not wait for His counsel, But lusted
exceedingly in the wilderness, And tested God in the desert. And He gave them their request, But
sent leanness into their soul. Leanness – razown: thinness; from razah: emaciated.
A thin, emaciated faith is “faith” void of God’s power, love, and peace
(soundness of mind). The only remedy to leanness is cleanness. (James 4:7-10)
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will
draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
Although Judas’ betrayal was prophetic (v.18), he was seduced by the lie that
riches provide the path to true happiness. In a 2005, CBS 60 Minutes interview, Tom
Brady was quoted as saying: “I reached my goal, my dream, my life. Me, I think: “God, it’s gotta
be more than this. I mean this can’t be what it’s all cracked up to be. I mean I’ve done it. I’m 27.
And what else is there for me?” When asked what else there could be, Brady’s response was; “I
wish I knew, I wish I knew…” (Psalm 107:9) For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry
soul with goodness. Judas tragically
discovered money can’t buy you either love,
or happiness! (John 10:10) The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.
I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (v.31-38)
Here Jesus reveals the hour, and purpose, related to His coming. His Hour:
The Son of Man/God is glorified. (v.31, 32). Two observations: 1) When the
devil’s influence is removed (Judas), God’s glory can come in. 2) Christ’s
darkest hour, betrayal, was a prelude to His greatest hour, resurrection!
(v.32). His Purpose: (v.33) Divine atonement! They could not go where He
was going. Where was, He going? (ttt) Hebrews 9:11-15. Mankind’s betrayal
could not derail God’s prophetic hour, and purpose, in Christ!
The Lord reinforces His earlier lesson. Here He issues a “new
commandment.” (v.34, 35): “love one another, as I have loved you!” He is
our divine template for edifying relationships! Notice: this a command, and
not a suggestion! (Ephesians 4:2-3) “…with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering,
bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of
peace.” “Endeavoring” is different from
“enduring.” Endeavoring: make
haste, zealous, giving diligence. Endeavoring is continual evidence of a transformed
heart; enduring is merely tolerance, without any change of heart! The world promotes tolerance,
as it’s new religion. But the problem with tolerance is, it cannot change the heart! Thus, people
naturally return to their old, carnal, unregenerate ways!
(v.36-38) I imagine from the back of the room Peter’s hand shot up! “Lord
where are you going?” (v.36a). And “Why can’t I do it now?” (v.37a). Like
Peter, we often want to know where, and why! But God’s consistent reply is
wait! And why? (Ecclesiastes 3:11a) He has made everything beautiful in its time.
CONCLUSION: (v.38) Jesus knew Peter would fail miserably, yet assured Peter
of His destiny, heaven! (36b). And so it is with us! (Philippians 1:6) “…being
confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the
day of Jesus Christ.” Peter’s unfaithfulness could not unravel God’s grip of grace
upon His life. (2 Timothy 2:13) If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny
The good news is, mankind’s betrayal can be blotted out through
faith in Christ. The difference between Peter and Judas was, Peter trusted His
Redeemer; Judas his riches! This same Peter would later preach: (Acts 3:19)
Himself.
Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing
may come from the presence of the Lord.