18 “I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill 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.”
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?”
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. 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.
Personal Reflection and Discussion
- In John 13:21 we read that Jesus was “troubled in spirit” (see also John 6:66-67; John 12:27; Mark 14:33; Luke 22:42-44). How would you describe these troubling moments for Jesus? Using your imagination, what do you think it might have been like?
- What things tend to trouble you and why (see John 14:1, 27)?
Prayer
Jesus, You knew you had to be betrayed. How difficult it must have been to choose those whom you knew would deny and betray you. How difficult it must be for you to still choose those whom you knew would deny and betray you to this day. Forgive me, Lord Jesus. But you love me anyway. Jesus, I am knowledgeable enough through Your Spirit to know the blessing it is to eat and drink at Your table and the next moment, deny your way as best. Any wrong thought of mine, throw it out. Any ill-intention that creeps up in my thoughts, I ask you to destroy it completely. In my selfishness, I ask you to come quickly and create in me a clean heart and renew thy Spirit within me. Restore unto me the joy of your salvation!
Greek Word of the Day
English Word: spirit | Transliterated Word: pneuma (pnyoo-man)
Bree, breath, the rational soul, vital principle, mental disposition, an angel, Christ’s spirit, the Holy Spirit. Illuminating and coming down upon Christians, empowering, remaining with them, imparting to them spiritual knowledge, aid, consolation
Family Engagement Activity
Today, ask your kids when they have felt betrayed or when they feel like they have betrayed someone. Talk about how Jesus went through something like that. Consider how Jesus felt.
OR
If your kids are ready for it, consider this game: https://www.philosophyforchildren.org/lessonplans/friendship-betrayal-split-steal-game/
Going Activities To Consider
Today, be bold as you ask forgiveness from those that you may have betrayed. Be bold as you forgive those who have broken your trust.