Betrayal and Denial a Contrast of Extremes. (John 13: 21-30)

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Study Notes: Betrayal and Denial - A Contrast of Extremes (John 13:21-30)

Introduction:

• Importance of teaching the Bible over political issues.

Scripture Reading: John 13:21-30

• Jesus predicts His betrayal by one of the disciples.
• The scene in the upper room before Jesus' crucifixion.
• The importance of understanding Jesus’ humanity and His foreknowledge.

Verse Analysis:

John 13:21-22:

• Jesus is troubled in spirit, announcing a betrayal among the disciples.
• The disciples are perplexed and unsure who the betrayer is.

John 13:23-25:

• The disciple whom Jesus loved (traditionally John) reclines next to Jesus.
• Simon Peter signals John to ask Jesus who the betrayer is.
• John asks Jesus directly.

John 13:26-27:

• Jesus identifies Judas as the betrayer by giving him a piece of dipped bread.
• Satan enters Judas after he takes the bread.
• Jesus tells Judas to act quickly.

John 13:28-30:

• The disciples misunderstand Jesus’ words to Judas.
• Judas leaves immediately, and it is night, symbolizing spiritual darkness.

Contrasting Extremes:

1. John – The Beloved Disciple:

• Physical and Spiritual Proximity: John's physical closeness to Jesus signifies his spiritual intimacy with Him. John’s relationship with Jesus exemplifies a deep, reciprocal love and understanding. John also represents those who seek intimate knowledge and closeness with Jesus, striving to understand His ways deeply.

2. Judas – The Betrayer:

• Betrayal Act: Judas’s betrayal despite his closeness to Jesus highlights a stark contrast.
• Satan’s Influence: The progression of sin in Judas’s life—from a planted idea to the act of betrayal.
• Symbolic Darkness: John’s note that “it was night” signifies Judas’s spiritual darkness and separation from Jesus.

Application to Our Lives:

• Spiritual Extremes: Encourages reflection on whether we are closer to the example of John or Judas in our spiritual lives.
• Lukewarm Faith: Warns against being lukewarm in our faith, urging a fervent, passionate relationship with Jesus.
• Call to Repentance: Revelation 3:15-20 emphasizes the need for zeal and repentance from lukewarmness.

Conclusion:

• Challenge: To avoid lukewarmness and seek a radical, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

Key Takeaways:

• Jesus’ Humanity: His troubled spirit shows His shared human experiences.
• Betrayal Foretold: Foreknowledge of betrayal strengthens the disciples’ faith post-event. Striving for closeness with Jesus leads to deeper understanding and wisdom.
• Progression of Sin: Sin often starts as a thought and progresses to action, as seen in Judas's betrayal. Closeness to Jesus brings spiritual light; separation brings darkness.
• Avoid L

Transcript

Betrayal and Denial a Contrast of Extremes. (John 13: 21-30)

 Full Transcript. 

I enjoy a watching a game of football, soccer some of you guys call it. I wouldn’t say I was a fanatical fan; I really only into international football rooting for England and if the qualified, Northern Ireland, (which is not very often) in competitions like the World Cup, or the Olympics of in  European Championships.  

But I am not an avid fan or an extremist

I became a Christian when I was a teenager. I was never party political, and every once in a while, an issue comes along that really got me going, and I just love to get on a soapbox or go on a march and protest about it. 

But once I got into my 20’s and the older I have concluded that teaching this book is more important than any political issue I've ever seen. As my father once said to me “Who would stop so low to politics, when one can preach the gospel”.

So, ever since I've refrained from speaking out on those kinds of issues for fear that it would interfere with teaching the Scripture.

So, these days I am neither a fan and a fanatic about anything. But what I want to do this morning is describe to you two extremists. I think by looking at these two extremists, we can learn a very valuable spiritual lesson about how one should approach life.

Welcome to TBPDP.

Will you turn with me to the Gospel of John, chapter 13? The Gospel of John, chapter 13, and I'm going to begin reading with verse 21.

Jesus Predicts His Betrayal.

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: 21-30)

This passage of Scripture recounts events in the upper room the night before Jesus Christ's crucifixion. We’ve already explored the part where Jesus washed the disciples' feet.

But now, in the passage we see Jesus announces that one of His disciples will betray Him. 

In verse 21, it states, "Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, 'Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray Me.'" 

This announcement that one of the apostles would betray Jesus clearly troubled Him. The Greek word for "troubled" means disturbed or stirred within Himself. 

Only twice before in the Gospel of John are we told Jesus was troubled: in chapter 11, when He heard Lazarus had died, and in chapter 12, when He realized He would be finally rejected. Now, as He announces Judas's betrayal, His spirit is again “troubled”.

This indicates for us Jesus’s humanity. We see like us He could be troubled by bereavement and betrayal; He shared our human experiences. The writer of Hebrews emphasizes this in chapter 4, writing that Jesus, “understands our infirmities”, meaning like here he knows what it is like to be bereaved and betrayed. Thus, He can relate to our problems and what disturbs us, disturbs Him.

Notice verse 21: In most translations Jesus says, "Verily, verily, I say unto you..." This double "verily" or "truly, truly" appears only in the Gospel of John and is always used by Jesus to introduce a solemn statement. 

Here, He announces and emphasizes that, "One of them will betray him."

I suppose Jesus makes this prediction, to plant an idea in their heads so they won’t be surprised when it happens later. Previously in verse 19, He said, "I tell you these things so that when it comes to pass, you may believe that I am He." 

The disciples had come to believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, even God in the flesh. They were not ready for what was about to happen. Without this warning, the betrayal and crucifixion might have made them doubt His deity. By foretelling His betrayal, Jesus was providing additional proof of His divinity, so when it occurred, they would remember He had predicted it, reinforcing their faith….

At this point in the narrative, two extremists appear: John, the author, and Judas, the betrayer. 

First, let’s look at John. Verse 22 tells us , "The disciples looked on one another, wondering of whom He spoke." The Greek word for "doubting" means to be perplexed and bewildered. When Jesus announced His betrayal, the disciples had no idea who He meant and were completely bewildered.

The other Gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, mention that at this point, the disciples looked at one another and asked, “Is it I? They were so unsure of what Jesus was saying that they each wondered if they were the betrayer. The next verse tells us, "Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved."

Let me explain "leaning on Jesus' bosom." At the meal, they reclined, meaning they had a low table, similar to a Japanese table. Instead of sitting, they lay almost on the floor, on their sides, propped on their left elbows, leaving their right hands free to eat. 

They were lined up around the table so that the person to the right of someone would have their head near the next person's chest. Thus, "leaning on Jesus' bosom" simply means the disciple’s head was next to Jesus’ chest.

"Simon Peter asks Jesus who the betrayer was. Peter wasn’t next to John but somewhere further away. The Greek word for beckon indicates Peter nodded or motioned to John. Peter caught John’s eye, and wither nodded or winked and motioned with his finger to ask Jesus.

So, the one next to Jesus asked, 'Lord, who is it?'" Jesus answered, ", “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish This indicates John was physically closest to Christ, his head on Jesus' bosom.

Spiritually, John was also as close to Jesus as possible. The text doesn't name John directly, but tradition identifies him as the beloved disciple, the author of this Gospel.

So, John’s closeness to Jesus was both physical and spiritual. God does not have favourites, but He does have intimates. John was an intimate, striving to be as close to Christ as he could.

When you’re intimate with someone, you share love with them. The text tells us John was the disciple whom Jesus loved. As we see in the upper room discourse, loving the Lord leads to a deep, reciprocal love. 

Some people are content with salvation alone, but others want to be as close to the Lord as possible, resting their spiritual heads on His chest. This closeness results in shared love and confidences.

John, being physically closest, naturally asked, “Who is it?” But spiritually, being closest, Jesus shared the secret with him. 

Someone once said, "Keep no secrets from the Lord, and you will enjoy the secrets of the Lord."

It's evident that some people know the Lord but lack deeper understanding of His ways because they don't immerse themselves in His Word or obey it. 

In contrast, those who seek closeness with Jesus Christ, desiring intimate knowledge of Him, gain deeper insights. These individuals, whom we might call extremists in their faith, aren't content with just being saved; they want to be as close to Jesus as possible, knowing Him intimately. 

Such people usually display wisdom that comes not from worldly experience but from their deep relationship with the Word of God.

Throughout my Christian life, I've met men and women who exemplify this. They are godly, down-to-earth, practical, and wise, their wisdom  is rooted in their knowledge and obedience to the Word of God. They are spiritual radicals, unsatisfied with anything less than deep communion with Jesus. They share a unique love with the Lord and understand His ways deeply.

John, the beloved disciple, was such an extreradicalmist. He wasn't just a casual follower; he was committed and in deep communion with Jesus. But there's another radical in this passage: Judas. 

Jesus told John that the betrayer would be the one to whom He gave the sop.

It was customary for the host to dip a piece of bread in a broth-like substance and give it to a guest as an act of honour. Remarkably, Jesus gave this honour to Judas, indicating Judas was close enough for Jesus to hand it to him. 

Many conclude that John was on Jesus' right, with his head on Jesus' bosom, and Judas was on Jesus' left, close enough to receive the piece of bread from Him.

This juxtaposition of John and Judas highlights two extremes: one who sought intimate closeness with Jesus and one who betrayed Him despite such closeness.

Jesus honoured Judas right up to the end. Despite knowing Judas would betray Him, Jesus did not respond with hate or hostility. Instead, He honoured him.

Jesus does the same for us. By His death, He honours all of us. By sending the Holy Spirit to convict us of our sin, by giving us the Word of God to teach us the gospel, and by sending believers to share the message of salvation, Jesus pleads with us to trust in Him and come to Him. 

He did this for Judas, and He does this for you. If you have never come to Christ, if you've never trusted Him as your Savior, don't be like Judas. Come to Christ and trust in Him for the forgiveness of your sins and for eternal life.

Unfortunately, Judas didn't do that. The Bible tells us in verse 26 that after Jesus dipped the piece of bread andgave it to Judas Iscariot. Verse 27 then tells us that after Judas received the bread, Satan entered into him. 

Notice the progression. In verse 2, it says that the devil had already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus. 

First, Satan planted the idea in Judas's heart. Then, when the opportunity arose, Satan entered into him, leading to the act of betrayal.

There is always a progression in sin. It starts with an idea, then there is a period when you flirt with the idea, and eventually, it leads to the act. 

As Psalm 1 says, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful." There is a clear progression: walking in the counsel of the ungodly, standing in the way of sinners, and finally sitting in the seat of the scornful.

In the Garden of Eden, God told Adam and Eve they could eat from every tree except one. Imagine them walking by that tree, admiring its beauty, thinking about its fruit. At first, they wouldn't dare eat it, then they touched it, then the thought about eating it. Eventually, they ate it. That's the progression of sin. It starts with a thought, then becomes an act.

In Judas's case, Satan first put the idea of betrayal in his heart. Eventually, Satan entered his heart, leading to the act. Though Satan doesn't take up residence in us like he did in Judas, the lesson is clear: sin progresses from thought to action.

Verse 28 tells us that no one at the table understood why Jesus spoke to Judas the way He did. 

They still didn't get it, except for John. They thought Judas, who had the money bag, was being sent to buy supplies or give to the poor. But none of these assumptions were correct. Jesus then told Judas to do what he was going to do quickly, setting the stage for the betrayal that would soon unfold.

He then went immediately out, and it was night (John 13:30). Judas went to sell the out Christ, resulting in Jesus Christ’s death, yes but ultimately subsequently His  resurrection for the forgiveness of sin. 

Judas’s role was to betray Him. Judas was an extremist, not merely rejecting Jesus but betraying Him.

To reject means to refuse to believe, which Judas did, but he went further by betraying Jesus. Betrayal means to deliver to the enemy, to hand over to the opponent. Thus, Judas went from radical to extremist.

John notes, “It was night” (John 13:30). This detail is more than just a time of day. John uses physical event to teach spiritual truths. 

Remember throughout his Gospel, John highlights Jesus as the light of the world. But when Judas betrayed the light, he went out into the immediate darkness, the night. John uses light to represent holiness and night to represent sin. By saying it was night, John indicates Judas was far from Jesus, in darkness.

In darkness, you cannot see clearly. You don’t see yourself or others as they truly are. Away from Jesus, you have a warped view of reality and relationships. 

Judas, in his darkness, was alone. Away from Jesus, you are not only separated from God but also from others. True intimacy thereafter becomes difficult, if not impossible.

Psychiatrists often say neurosis is rooted in fear. Alone, separated from God and others, you become afraid. Judas, having betrayed Christ, went to the extreme of betrayal and entered the night.

In contrast, John was as close to Christ as he could get, learning secrets no one else knew. Judas went as far away as he could, ending up in the night. This contrast shows that closeness to Jesus brings light, while distance from Him brings darkness.

Let me conclude by asking: Which are you? 

Perhaps you don’t identify with either extreme. If you’re not far from the Lord, nor as close as you can get, let’s turn to Revelation chapter 3 for guidance.

Jesus addresses a church in Revelation 3:15-16, saying, "You are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were one or the other! But because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am about to spit you out of my mouth." 

This message, by our own admission, applies to many of us.

The Lord speaks to those who are not radicals who are not fervently for Jesus, nor are you completely against Him. If you were hot, you’d be on fire for the Lord, and if you were cold, you’d recognize your need for Him. Our problem is that we can be lukewarm, content with minimal involvement and just enough religious activity to soothe our consciences without getting too deeply involved.

God has strong words for those who are lukewarm. Revelation 3:16 says, "Because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." The Greek word used here literally means "vomit." God finds lukewarmness repulsive.

Jesus continues in Revelation 3:19, "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent." This passage is directed at Christians because God disciplines those He loves. He calls us to be zealous, to be fanatics for Him.

Verse 20 of Revelation 3 says, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me." 

This invitation is for fellowship, not salvation. Jesus wants a deeper relationship with us after He has saved us.

We need to repent of our lukewarmness and become radical for Jesus Christ. 

Jesus still pleads at our heart's door, so repent and be lukewarm no more."

If you find yourself distant from the Lord or lukewarm in your faith, it’s time to repent about it.

And take the apostle John as your example as one who was close to Gods heart and ask God to forgive us for being satisfied with lukewarmness, and to cleanse us and ignite a fervent passion for him, once again.