The betrayal by Judas

April 14, 2021

13:1-35 Loving one another, just as Jesus loves us

Read John 13:18-30

The washing of the disciples’ feet laid the foundation for the long section of teaching he was about to give them. Jesus had often described himself as the one sent by the Father (4:34; 5:24), and now he began to emphasise (“Very truly”) that he was going to send out his disciples (20; 17:18; 20:21). The climax of his own ministry on earth was also the beginning of his future ministry through his disciples, and so in these chapters we have the teaching which would enable them to do that. But before he could begin, the one who would betray him must leave.

Judas’s betrayal has already been referred to twice in this chapter (13:2,10-11). Shocking as it was that one so close to Jesus should turn against him, even this had been prophesied (18; Psalm 41:9). Because of Jesus’s awareness and acceptance of it, in the end the disciples would be strengthened, not weakened, in their faith that Jesus is the “I am” (19; ego eimi as in 8:28,58). Nevertheless, Jesus was deeply moved (21; 11:33), as he announced solemnly (“Very truly”) that one of them would betray him. This direct statement amazed them, and they had no suspicion of who it might be that he was referring to (22-25).

Nor did they understand what then took place (26-29). Giving the special piece of bread to Judas was a mark of particular favour (26). Even though Jesus knew what Judas intended to do, he gave him a final opportunity to change his mind. John emphasises that Satan was behind the betrayal of Jesus (27a; 13:2), but the choice was Judas’s own, and this was the decisive moment in which that choice was made. Having made it, Judas “went out”, into “the night” and into the darkness (30; 11:10; 12:35).