Previous Lesson -- Next Lesson
2. The traitor exposed and disconcerted (John 13:18-32)
JOHN 13:18-19
18 I don’t speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen. But that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with me has lifted up his heel against me.’ 19 From now on, I tell you before it happens, that when it happens, you may believe that I am he.
Judas lived sorrowfully, not loving meekness and service. He chose violence, dominance and treachery. He desired to lord it over Jesus by deceit. He may have aimed at forcing Christ’s hand to seize power. Whereas he was at heart an opponent, wishing to trample on Jesus and plot his execution. He failed to realize what love involved and was proud, whereas Jesus humbled himself. Judas purposed arrogance, dominance and violent means, while Jesus chose to remain a meek and gentle servant.
Jesus was preparing his disciples for the hour of betrayal so that they might not doubt his Lordship, even if he was to be delivered to Gentiles. He is Lord in person, witnessing to his hour of weakness in advance, calling himself "The I AM". In this expression God revealed himself in the burning bush before Moses. He wanted to confirm his disciples’ faith by such assurances of his divinity that they might not fall into doubt and temptation.
JOHN 13:20
20 Most certainly I tell you, he who receives whomever I send, receives me; and he who receives me, receives him who sent me.”
Jesus freed his disciples from fear with respect to his arrest and death. His commission of them and his protection would preserve them. Jesus sends out his followers and goes with them. His servants do not go in their individual names but in the name of their exalted Lord. Whoever receives them, receives the Holy Trinity. He who believes in their words, becomes a child of God. This mission is a difficult one: It calls for self-denial and love of enemies, and remaining firm in poverty and contempt. Despite this, they knew that God indwelt them. Wherever they go, He goes with them, and wherever He wants them to serve, His Spirit directs them to His goals, so that His task may be complete.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, help me to realize that I cannot remain in you, unless I become your servant. I wish ever to see you the pattern for my life, to continue humble in our gatherings and servant to our families. Let me not give place to Satan in my heart. Help me not just to speak of serving, but practice it in your power and wisdom.
QUESTION:
- What do we learn from Christ’s example?