As promised (13:19), Jesus made known His betrayal beforehand so faithful disciples would not lose heart (13:21-22). He stated the fact openly and plainly (13:21). He was deeply aware of the torment He would experience in a few hours, awareness that profoundly troubled Him. Nevertheless, He would not allow betrayal of the worst sort to dissuade Him from finishing God’s plan of salvation. “Will betray” is more of solemn promise than mere prediction - it “WILL” happen.
The disciples’ attention, however, fell upon themselves (13:22), not on the tortured victim Jesus would be. Rather than ask Him about what He had said, the disciples began looking to each other for the culprit, but they are “at a loss.” Note that Judas spoke not a word, though of course he knew he was the guilty one.
Attempts to discover the betrayer occupied their reaction (13:23-25). “The disciple whom Jesus loved” is most likely the Apostle John (21:20-24). Being very young, he would naturally be a favorite among the group. John takes the initiative to seek from Jesus the betrayer’s identity (13:24-25).
Jesus specifically made Judas known, but maintained His attention on completing God’s mission (13:26-30). He plainly identified Judas as His betrayer (13:26). When a meal or social event is mentioned in the Gospels, Jesus regularly acted in the role of the host. That is the situation here. In doing so, He both verbally and visually identified Judas.
Completely aware of Satan’s possession of Judas, Jesus commanded no hesitation from Judas (13:27). Judas could believe in Jesus or he could receive Satan into his life, but he could not do both - God does not accommodate Himself to evil. Judas made his choice; possession by Satan ratified that choice.
Jesus, however, was not bound by that contemptible choice. He made His choice, the greater choice of carrying out God’s plan of salvation to the full.
The disciples completely missed what Jesus was doing (13:28-29). They did not recognize or ask the Lord for an explanation of His purpose. Speculation came easier than simply asking Him about what He had said to Judas.
The night’s darkness cloaked the darkness of Judas’s betrayal (13:30). Leaving the room put into action his condemnable treachery. Unlike Nicodemus, who left darkness to seek Jesus (John 3), Judas now goes from the lighted room and the presence of Jesus into the darkness of his evil intention.
Dr. David Moore can be contacted at dm5867se@outlook.com
