Don’t Be A Judas! – John’s Gospel, chapter 13, verses 18 to 30
History is full of betrayals, but don’t you be a Judas!
Judas’ betrayal revealed
‘I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfil this passage of Scripture: “He who shared my bread has turned against me.” 19 ‘I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am. 20 Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.’ 21 After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, ‘Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.’
John 13:18-21
Jesus heart towards Judas never varied, offering him the opportunity for forgiveness.
Judas unnoticed
22 His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. 23 One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. 24 Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, ‘Ask him which one he means.’ 25 Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, ‘Lord, who is it?’
John 13:22-25
The others all questioned themselves, not suspecting Judas.
Judas Exposed
26 Jesus answered, ‘It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.’ Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.
John 13:26
In their culture the host giving bread dipped in the sauce was a sign of welcome. Again, Jesus shows His love for Judas, offering him a chance to turn from his plan of betrayal.
Judas’ response
27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, ‘What you are about to do, do quickly.’ 28 But no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. 29 Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor. 30 As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.
John 13:27-30
Satan entered his heart, ruling it like a tyrant. Bread as an emblem is Love, but he takes it and runs away, into the darkness of night (and forever).
Are you a Judas?
The true believer realises their sin and runs back to Jesus. The Judas runs from Jesus. Jesus extends His love to you today.
New International Version – UK (NIVUK)
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