“A JOURNEY THROUGH THE GOSPEL OF JOHN” ST. JOHN 13:21-38

Christ’s Declaration of His Betrayal and Soon Departure

As this section unfolds (St. John 13:21-38), we find that verse 21 reveals the fact that the Son of God was truly human in that He felt acutely that which opposes God.  Before our Lord goes to the cross, He felt sharply the utter unbelief and hostility of His enemies, even the Scribes, Sadducees, and Pharisees.  In verse 21, our Lord expresses sorrow over one of His apostles’ betrayal, for this apostle was one that witnessed most of His miracles and heard many of His awesome claims for some three and a half years.  Yet, Judas Iscariot was spiritually unmoved by what he will do; however, such a betrayal of friendship and love, greatly affected Jesus!

Christ’s solemn disclosure in the latter part of verse 21, prompted the others disciples to glance in suspense, wondering which one of them Jesus might be referring to (v. 22).  Although Judas will betray our Lord, John, in contrast, is seen as one who remained close to our Saviour (v. 23).  Yes, John remained loyal to our Saviour, for love had drawn him (v. 23)!  In an effort to discover the culprit, Peter beckoned John to ask Jesus who He was speaking of (v. 24).  It is noteworthy that John was close enough to Jesus to ask this penetrating question!  From all of the surrounding circumstances of that fateful evening that took place, the rest of the disciples did not discern who would betray Jesus (v. 26).  Judas had truly been unmasked by Jesus, but His disciples were unaware.

We come to one of the most solemn verses in the bible, for verse 27, says – “And after the sop Satan entered in him.  Then said Jesus unto him.  That thou doest, do quickly.”  After the Saviour’s offer of bread as a gesture of friendship, and an invitation for Judas to repent, Judas’ career was doomed, for he spurned the love of God.

In view of the fact that space was provided for Judas’ repentance, Jesus had no recourse but to say – “That thou doest, do quickly.” With these words, Judas only fate was eternal doom!  Again, according to verse 28, the disciples did not suspect that Judas would commit such a deed.  Although the disciples were in suspense (v. 29), in verse 30, Judas, having received the sop, witnessed his hour of the power of darkness (v. 30).  When one rejects the Light of the world (St. John 8:12), darkness will ensue.  It was truly night in the heart of Judas.  When Judas departed, Jesus said – “Now is the Son of Man glorified in Him (v. 31).

In the death of Christ, both Christ and the Father are glorified (v. 31).  In Christ’s resurrection and exaltation, the Father glorifies the Son (v. 32).  It is noteworthy that our Lord waited for Judas to be dismissed before addressing His disciples with the term of endearment – “little children” (v. 33).  An unbeliever is not a child of God!  In spite of the fact that the Saviour will leave the disciples (v. 33), He impresses upon them the duty to love one another sacrificially (vs. 34-35).  Genuine love is the badge of Christian discipleship!  From Peter’s question in verse 36, it was still apparent that Jesus’ disciples did not grasp the meaning of many of His statements.  Our lesson closes with Jesus’ forecast with reference to Peter’s thrice denial (vs. 37-38).  Even a believer, who declared his devotion to Christ, can be guilty of denying the One who chose him!  May God bless!