Troubled in Spirit

John 13:21-30

21 After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. 23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus' side, 24 so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly”. 28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.

Notes

The Lord Jesus announced that one of the twelve would betray Him. Furthermore, He revealed the betrayer without mentioning the name. However, the disciples remained oblivious. In contrast, the beloved disciple was mentioned by the author. Although unnamed, some believe it to be the author. However, there is not enough textual evidence to affirm such. Going back to the treacherous, the actions of Judas would trigger a set of events leading to the suffering, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

1. Troubled

   Although Jesus knew that He would rise from the dead and go back to the Father, He still felt troubled about the coming betrayal. The writer showed Jesus’ divinity by stating that He knew what would happen. Yet, the author also showed His humanity by writing that Jesus was troubled in spirit.

   
   21 After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” (John 13:21).

   The Word is divine yet the Word embodied humanity (John 1:1,14). Jesus knew that the Father had given all things into His hands (John 13:3). Yet, He was human because He was troubled (John 13:21). The author was also addressing a false teaching that Jesus was only divine and not human, which John also address in his epistle.

   2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already (1 John 4:2-3).

   Application: We must clearly understand that Our Lord Jesus is God, but took the form of man to sacrifice Himself to be the redeemer. The Scriptures are clear that those who propagate false teachings about this, are not from God. Therefore, we must be careful what we believe and what we teach.

   
   

2. Identification

   The disciples looked unaware of what He mentioned. Peter signaled the beloved disciple to ask Jesus. The Lord made a clear statement that the betrayer is the one whom He would give a piece of bread that He dipped. Jesus gave it to Judas then Satan entered Judas.
   
   22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. 23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus' side, 24 so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly” (John 13:22-27).

   Application: Believe in the prophecies about Christ. One of the prophecies related was the betrayer. All things would be fulfilled according to His plan, even the evil intents of men aided by Satan. Believe that God is sovereign; He is in control despite the work of spiritual opposition.
   

3. Not Understood

   Even though the Lord made Himself clear, the disciples did not understand the action of Jesus. Perhaps they could not connect Judas as one who would betray. They thought Jesus was reminding Judas of a previous instruction. The disciples missed it. However, the author made it clear to us.

   
   28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night (John 13:28-30).

   The writer mentioned that Judas was a thief (John 12:4-6). But before that, the author included Judas in the same light of those who did not believe (John 6:64- 65), implying that Judas was one of those that the Father did not grant genuine belief.

   64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) 65 And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” (John 6:64-65).

   Application: We must seek to understand His plan and His will. We must remain patient and diligent even if some things in the Bible are not that clear. Let us carefully and prayerfully study and analyze His word in context. By His grace and in His time, we will understand.

Reflection & Discussion

1. What troubled the Lord? Why do you think the author mentioned it?

2. What was the response of the disciples after Christ revealed the betrayer?

3. Why do you think the disciples failed to identify the betrayer?