(REFLECTIONS ON John 13:21-38)

Judas was one of the 12, one of Jesus’ disciples, and although Jesus knew that Judas would betray Him, He chose Him anyway. This speaks to the life of sacrifice, obedience and faithfulness of our Lord, Jesus Christ. He knew, but He chose Him anyway. Who would do such a thing?

But, then again who would die for you and me, for us, and for the world? Who would take our place, a place of judgment and punishment meant for us, and take it upon Himself? Yet that is our Servant King, the Christ, the Savior of the world.

It is this Jesus, that calls us to be His own, that through Him we have access and relationship with God. Today’s Scripture reminds us that although many times we are sitting right beside Him, but rather than fellowship, we are plotting to sell Him out to the world to benefit ourselves. And for what?

This reminds us of the magnitude of Jesus’ sacrifice for us, even in the face of betrayal, and yet how do we respond to the life that He has given us? With complaint? With opposition? With wanting more for ourselves?

The betrayal of Jesus by Judas is representative of Israel’s betrayal of God, and is the betrayal in our hearts as well. That is why when Jesus spoke of this, Scripture says, “He became troubled in spirit.” He was troubled because He knew that His death would come at the hands of one of His own.

What is even more impactful, is that the piece of bread that Jesus gave to Judas represented the sharing of bread and the fellowship of two hearts in relationship, showed that although Jesus knew what Judas was to do, He still ate with Him, and shared with Him.

The piece of bread will come to represent to us the body of Christ, broken for us, and is also the bread of fellowship with in our communion with Him. After receiving the piece of bread, Judas went out immediately to sell out His master and friend.

What does that piece of bread, the bread that we eat during communion, that binds us with Jesus Christ, represent for us? Is it a fellowship of the heart? Or, is it the sign of betrayal?

The piece of bread pointed to the betrayer, but in an act of amazing grace and mercy, will also represent the piece of bread that is Jesus’ body broken for us.

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: John 13