Destiny, Love, and Sovereignty

John 13:1-3

1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him. 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God.

Notes

The author of the Gospel of John revealed the prophecies that Jesus fulfilled. John explained that even the Jews' unbelief was prophesied. It was mentioned in the first chapter that His own people would not believe (John 1:11). Yet before Jesus left the crowd, He spoke of eternal life for all who would believe in Him. John would give us another prologue (or abstract) to a new section of his writing. The three verses would sum up the rest of the narrative.

1. Passover & the Hour

   John indicates the timing of the events. The supper happened before the Passover, which the Jews celebrate. They commemorate the work of God in Egypt, where a lamb was sacrificed to save their family from judgment. This is a clear foreshadowing of the Lamb of God, Jesus. The “hour” in the text is about His suffering and resurrection.

   
   1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end (John 13:1).

   Application: Rest in God’s sovereignty and love. The Father and Son rule all things, including the times and seasons. Rest in His love, knowing He loves all who believe and follow Him; He calls them His own.
   

2. Judas & the Devil

   The devil influenced Judas to betray God’s Son. But Judas's plan to betray Christ fits perfectly with God’s plan. God uses the world’s evil to fulfill His grand plan. There could be no resurrection without death and no atonement without the sacrificial death of the Perfect One, Jesus.
   
   2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him (John 13:2).

   Application: Understand that there is a spiritual war. But do not fret because God is in control; He is sovereign above all. God uses all things to accomplish His divine purpose in Christ Jesus.
   

3. Sovereign Lord

   The Jews who wanted to kill Him searched for Him in the feast, but He was not there to enjoy the feast. He would later go to the temple to teach. The people had mixed statements about Him. Some believe He was a good man, and others otherwise.

   
   3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God (John 13:3).

   Application: As John, the author, explained who Jesus is, let us explain to others who He is. The Father and Son are united in their sovereignty. All they planned would happen, including the Son’s way back to the Father, and that is to fulfill the mission.

Reflection & Discussion

1. What is the significance of the timing of the Passover?

2. How did John describe Judas and the devil?

3. What knowledge did Jesus possess about the Father and Himself?