John 13:21-38

Jesus is not indifferent to the betrayal that is about to happen, it troubles him as it would anyone in that situation. (The  disciple who asks Jesus who the betrayer is was most likely John, the gospel writer, v 23, 21:20-24)

It seems likely that only those sat near him heard Jesus’ answer, and it appears strange that they don’t intervene. Maybe, because Jesus didn’t act to stop it, neither did they. So, Satan entered Judas and now he moves to carry out the devilish plan which will of course backfire on him and the devil.

Jesus knows that everything that is about to happen to him will bring glory to God and to himself. They are as one in their actions to save the world, as John described in ch. 3 v 16. He wants his disciples to be as one in their love for him and one another. Whilst the Old Testament taught them to love their neighbour as themselves, Jesus now raises the bar. They are to love each other as Jesus has loved them. This type of love will show the world they are his disciples.

Peter, in his enthusiasm to be a true follower of Jesus, seems to take the information that he can’t follow Jesus yet as a slight, and declares his willingness to die. It’s hard to imagine how he must have felt when Jesus warned him of his coming denial. Perhaps he didn’t believe it was possible or didn’t really know himself that well. It certainly didn’t stop him later on (ch 18).

Lord, help us to love as you have called us to love and be our true selves before you.

Response: Choose a word, phrase, idea or action that strikes you as significant at this moment in your life and spend a few minutes reflecting on it.