John 13:21-38, Jesus’ Announcement of His Betrayal

Bible Study with Dr. Thomas Constable

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Podcast Summary: John 13:21-38 - Jesus' Announcement of His Betrayal

Title: The Betrayal Foretold: Jesus' Announcement of Judas' Defection

Episode Description:
In this episode, we explore the poignant moment in John 13:21-38, where Jesus announces that one of His disciples will betray Him. This conversation, filled with tension and sorrow, occurs during the Last Supper, a time when Jesus prepares His followers for the difficult road ahead. We’ll examine Jesus’ awareness of the betrayal, His interaction with Judas, and the profound lessons this moment teaches us about love, loyalty, and the cost of following Christ. This passage also sheds light on Peter’s bold declaration of loyalty, followed by his later denial. Join us as we reflect on Jesus’ response to betrayal and the deeper truths He reveals in these final hours before His crucifixion.

Episode Notes

1. Jesus' Troubled Spirit and Announcement of Betrayal (Verses 21-22)

• Jesus' Inner Turmoil:
  As Jesus shares the Passover meal with His disciples, He becomes deeply troubled in spirit. He knows that one of His closest followers will betray Him, and this knowledge weighs heavily on Him. The emotional intensity of this moment emphasizes the gravity of what is about to unfold—His betrayal, suffering, and death.
• The Disciples’ Confusion:
  Jesus openly announces that one of them will betray Him, prompting confusion and anxiety among the disciples. They look at each other, uncertain of whom He is speaking about. This moment underscores the shock and disbelief among the disciples, who cannot fathom that one of them would turn against Jesus.

2. Jesus' Interaction with Judas (Verses 23-30)

• John's Position and the Question to Jesus:
  In the midst of the tension, the disciple John, who is reclining closest to Jesus, asks, “Lord, who is it?” This shows John’s intimate relationship with Jesus and his desire to understand more fully the troubling announcement. The question reveals the disciples’ uncertainty and anxiety.
• Jesus’ Revelation to Judas:
  Jesus responds to John’s question by identifying Judas as the betrayer. He does this discreetly, giving Judas a piece of bread dipped in the dish—a gesture that signifies the breaking of fellowship and the sharing of a meal, but in this case, it highlights the betrayal. Judas takes the bread, and Jesus tells him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” This statement reveals Jesus' acceptance of what must happen, showing His awareness of the unfolding plan and His willingness to submit to the will of the Father.
• Judas Departs to Betray Jesus:
  After receiving the bread, Judas immediately leaves the meal. The other disciples do not understand why he is leaving, and they remain unaware of the full extent of his actions. Judas' departure sets in motion the chain of events that will lead to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion.

3. A New Commandment: Love One Another (Verses 31-35)

• The New Commandment:
  After Judas leaves, Jesus shifts the focus to His disciples. He declares, “Now the Son of Man is glorified,” referring to the impending cross, where Jesus will be glorified in His sacrificial death. He then gives His disciples a new commandment: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” This commandment highlights the essential nature of love in the Christian life—love modeled after the selfless, sacrificial love Jesus has shown them.
• Love as the Mark of Discipleship:
  Jesus emphasizes that it is by this love that all people will know His disciples. Love becomes the defining characteristic of those who follow Christ. This commandment underscores the importance of