The Betrayer John 13:18-30

Review It is the Passover which began Thursday evening –Jesus and His 12 apostles are gathered in an upper room where they ate the meal together –The apostles were still bickering about who would be greatest in the kingdom –Jesus washed their feet to show that they should all be servants, not lords During that washing He mentioned that one of them was not clean, in spite of the washing (Jn 13:10-11) –He picks up that train of thought after explaining His actions in washing feet

What did Jesus know? John 6:70-71 –Jesus knew one of the 12 would betray Him –v71 tells us Judas was the one who did, but Jesus had not identified which one at this time How did He know one would betray Him if He didn’t know which one? –Ps 41:9; Ps 55:12-14; Zech 11:12-13 Didn’t the prophecy say Judas would betray Him? –No, only that one of His close companions would –It could have been any of the 12, one of them was certain to make the wrong choice

When did Judas make his choice? A few days earlier, Judas had complained about Mary using costly perfume on Jesus’ feet –Jn 12:4-6 Judas had already made the choice to betray Jesus in a ‘smaller matter’ – embezzling funds –He wanted more funds to be able to pilfer from –Perhaps he realizes with Jesus talk of His death that there weren’t going to be more funds »Where was he going to get money when his current source dried up? Jn 13:2 tells us that the choice to betray Jesus had been made before the supper

When did Judas make his choice? Matt 26:1-2 –2 days before the Passover, Tuesday evening to Wednesday The Sanhedrin was gathered to decide capture Jesus and kill Him (Mt 26:3-5) Jesus was again in Bethany having supper (either still Tuesday evening or Wednesday evening) (Matt 26:6-13) –Another woman pours costly oil on Jesus (His head this time) »There is another protest from some disciples »Another opportunity for funds to steal from is gone and time is running out (as Jesus talks of His burial)

When did Judas make his choice? Matt 26:14-16 –Judas went to Jesus’ opponents They had been seeking information to use in capturing Jesus for weeks (since Lazarus was raised – John 11:53, 57) He asked for a price for betraying Jesus to them –And the price agreed on was the one prophesied –He probably knew they wanted to kill Jesus »Jesus had been plainly telling His disciples He would be crucified and buried on the Passover (Mt 26:2,12), so it is doubtful that Judas missed the connection »Rather he seems to think, if He is going to die, how can I make one last profit from Him

Jesus’ announcement John 13:18-21 –Returning to His mention of one who was not clean, Jesus quotes Ps 41:9 A prophecy of His betrayal Wanted the apostles to know the betrayal did not come as a surprise to Him –He seems to be moving away from the topic of betrayal in v20b Speaks of them being received (not betrayed) and how those receptive people would have received Jesus and the Father But that then makes Him troubled (sad) about the one who no longer received Him –And this time He says plainly that one of the 12 would betray Him

Is it I, Lord? John 13:22 –The apostles were confused –Matt 26:22 They were saddened to know one of them would betray Jesus They asked, “Is it I?” –Probably most thought the betrayal would be a mistake or a moment of weakness

The betrayer identified John 13:23-26 –Peter decides the best way to find out who the betrayer would be, is to ask He has John (the disciple whom Jesus loved) ask –Either because of his physical closeness or because of their friendship or both »John is reclining on an eating couch in front of Jesus »He simply leans back to ask who –Jesus says it is the one to whom He hands a piece of dipped bread And then hands it to Judas –Apparently Judas had the position behind Jesus »A place of trust

The betrayer identified Imagine you were Judas –Only a day or 2 before you decided to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver –You arrive and find yourself seated in a place of honor and trust You think, I am not revealed –Jesus washes your feet You think, He doesn’t know what I will do Then He comments, ‘Not all are clean’ –Does He know? –The quote from Ps 41 and the direct statement He knows, but does He know it’s me? –Then the statement to John and the piece of bread He knows it’s me! Now what should I do?

The betrayer departs Jn 13:27-30 –Judas still had free-will He could have felt ashamed and repented But instead he resolved to continue –Satan entered his heart »Not by force or possession, but invitation »His choice was made firmly to betray –Jesus recognizes the choice and tells him to get on with it – He knows it is time for His death –Judas departs, but the others don’t realize the reason, even if they heard, don’t connect it to the betrayal Jesus had just spoke about

Conclusion Jesus knew who would be His betrayer –That is yet another reason to believe in Him Jesus also demonstrated His love, mercy, and patience –Giving Judas many opportunities to repent –But Judas declines them all for the sake of a bit of money Are we betraying Jesus? –Perhaps by not giving Him our all? –Perhaps allowing other activities to come between us and Him?