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.
John 13:18-30
Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
John 13:1b
Did Jesus pray before choosing the twelve disciples? Yes
Did Jesus know Judas would betray him when He chose him as one of the twelve? Yes
Did Jesus treat Judas differently because He knew He was a traitor? No, and yes (extra grace was given)
Did Jesus wash Judas’ feet? Yes
Did Jesus love Judas? Yes, to the end.
The washing of disciples’ feet taught us to be humble and serve each other. The grace and mercy Jesus extended to Judas demonstrated how we should treat those who are against us.
How do you handle difficult people at work, at home, or even at church? Avoid them? Most of us do. Jesus chose them, love them and teach them.
How do you feel when you are wronged? Frustrated and possibly angry. Most of us are. Jesus was troubled in spirit. He’s concerned about the individual more than anything. The giving of the dipped bread designated special honor, something like a toast at a banquet. With a gesture of honor, Jesus gave him one more chance to repent.
Chances are not everyone at church is your favorite person. Jesus taught us to continue to love, accept, and give another chance. Jesus taught us to love to the end.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, please help us see your heart. Having received your unfailing love, we also want to extend our love and acceptance to others. Please help us to forgive and forget. Help us to build and rebuild. Amen!
Raisins & Apples Bible Devotional & more 