John 13:21-32
21After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, “Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.” 22The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. 23One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining next to him; 24Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” 26Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. 27After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “Do quickly what you are going to do.” 28Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the festival”; or, that he should give something to the poor. 30So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night. 31When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once.
___________________________________
“After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit…” This was a special meal, a Passover meal , and Jesus is with His disciples for one ‘Last Supper.’ Before the meal even began, He knew that Judas would betray Him. He also knew what awaited Him in the day ahead. Yet, He continued to show incredible love to his disciples, even Judas.
Every ‘Holy Week’ I marvel and am in awe over the super-human courage of Jesus. He knew He was going to His death and no ordinary death either. He would be betrayed and die on a cross. Who wouldn’t be ‘troubled in spirit.’ I can’t begin to imagine His anguish…He’s known this would happen from Day 1, and tried several times to tell his disciples, but they either wouldn’t listen or couldn’t comprehend. Now in this fateful night, He is doing exactly what He said He would do, alone, and He won’t be deterred.
What greater love is this? I remain in awe of God’s love for us, and that He would willingly sacrifice His only son for my sins.
Prayer: Lord forgive me for my daily failings and ingratitude. Instill in me your spirit that I may walk in your ways with joy and gratitude for what Jesus did on that cross. Amen.
–Dave Dynneson