Today's journey takes us to the heart of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. We'll witness Jesus'
profound act of love—accomplishing what we could never achieve ourselves—and discover how this transformative
truth becomes the wellspring of authentic Christian love.
John 13:12-38
When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you
understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then,
your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an
example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not
greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed
are you if you do them. I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be
fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ I am telling you this now, before it takes
place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives
the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” After saying these things,
Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” The
disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was
reclining at table at Jesus’ side, so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So that
disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” 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. Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are
going to do, do quickly.” Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 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. So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night. When he had gone
out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God
will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. Little children, yet a little while I am with you.
You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one
another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Simon Peter
said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but
you will follow afterward.” Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for
you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow
till you have denied me three times.
The Betrayer
Betrayal of Love
Hardening Heart
Love Demonstrated
Denial Foretold
Why would Jesus choose Judas as a disciple, knowing he would ultimately betray him?
What made Judas' act of betrayal particularly wicked compared to other betrayals?
How would you define idolatry in today's context?
What are some practical ways to recognize when something has become an idol in your
life?
How do you respond to the reality that God chooses whom he loves?
If God is sovereign over all things, how can we be held accountable for our choices?
What sets Christianity's call to love apart from other religious or philosophical
teachings?
What are the implications of Jesus' defeat of death?
What were the two flaws in Peter's reasoning when he promised to stick by Jesus?
Let us give thanks for Christ's victory over death and the salvation he has made possible. Ask for wisdom to
wrestle honestly with the mystery of God's sovereignty. If you haven't yet placed your trust in Christ, invite
God to draw you to himself, to free you from any idols that bind you, and to embrace the hope he offers.
Why Did Jesus Choose Judas?
Free Will and Divine Sovereignty
What Does "Satan Entered into Him" Mean?
What Is Idolatry?
Four Signs Food Has Become an Idol
Why Does God Choose Some and Not Others?
Judas's Betrayal
God's Sovereignty and Man's Responsibility
Hardened by the Deceitfulness of Sin
The Way God Loves You
"Love"