I am not speaking about all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the Scripture: 'The one who shares My bread has lifted up his heel against Me.' I am not speaking about all of you;In this phrase, Jesus is addressing His disciples during the Last Supper. He makes a distinction, indicating that His forthcoming statement does not apply to every one of them. This highlights the presence of a betrayer among the group, setting the stage for the revelation of Judas Iscariot's betrayal. The context is crucial as it occurs during a private and intimate moment, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Jhn 6:70 Jesus answered them, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve?”… I know whom I have chosen. Here, Jesus asserts His divine knowledge and authority in choosing His disciples. This choice is not merely about selection for ministry but also encompasses the foreknowledge of their actions and destinies. Theologically, this reflects the doctrine of divine election, where God’s choices are purposeful and sovereign. It also reassures the faithful disciples of their secure place in His plan. Jhn 15:16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you… But this is to fulfill the Scripture: Jesus often referenced Old Testament prophecies to demonstrate that His life and mission were in accordance with God’s predetermined plan. This phrase underscores the fulfillment of prophecy, a common theme in the Gospels, which serves to authenticate Jesus' messianic identity and the divine orchestration of events. Mat 26:56 But this has all happened so that the writings… ‘The one who shares My bread has lifted up his heel against Me.’ This is a direct reference to Psalm 41:9, where David laments betrayal by a close friend. In the cultural context, sharing bread was a sign of fellowship and trust, making the act of betrayal even more poignant. The phrase "lifted up his heel" suggests an act of treachery and hostility. By applying this scripture to Judas, Jesus identifies Himself with the suffering servant motif and foreshadows His impending betrayal, linking His experience to the broader narrative of redemptive history. Psa 41:9 Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared… Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is speaking to His disciples during the Last Supper. He is aware of His impending betrayal and is preparing His disciples for what is to come. 2. The Disciples The group of Jesus' closest followers, present with Him at the Last Supper. Jesus indicates that not all of them are chosen in the sense of being faithful. 3. Judas Iscariot Although not named in this specific verse, Judas is the disciple who will betray Jesus. The verse alludes to his betrayal by referencing the one who "has lifted up his heel against Me." 4. The Last Supper The setting of this passage, where Jesus shares a final meal with His disciples before His crucifixion. It is a time of intimate teaching and revelation. 5. Scripture Fulfillment Jesus refers to the fulfillment of Scripture, specifically Psalm 41:9, which speaks of betrayal by a close friend. Teaching Points Divine Foreknowledge and SovereigntyJesus' awareness of His betrayal demonstrates His divine foreknowledge and control over the events leading to His crucifixion. Believers can trust in God's sovereignty even in difficult circumstances. The Pain of Betrayal Jesus experienced the deep pain of betrayal by a close friend, reminding us that He understands our own experiences of betrayal and hurt. The Importance of Scripture Jesus' reference to Scripture emphasizes its importance and reliability. Believers are encouraged to study and rely on Scripture for guidance and understanding. Faithfulness and Choice Jesus' statement about knowing whom He has chosen highlights the importance of faithfulness. Believers are called to examine their own faithfulness to Christ. Warning Against Hypocrisy Judas' betrayal serves as a warning against hypocrisy and the danger of outwardly following Christ while harboring unfaithfulness in the heart. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jesus' foreknowledge of His betrayal by Judas impact your understanding of His divinity and sovereignty?2. In what ways can the experience of betrayal by a close friend draw us closer to Jesus, who understands such pain? 3. How does the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in this passage strengthen your faith in the reliability of Scripture? 4. What steps can you take to ensure that your relationship with Christ is genuine and not marked by hypocrisy? 5. How can the example of Judas serve as a warning to remain vigilant in your faith and commitment to Jesus? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 41:9This Old Testament verse is directly quoted by Jesus, highlighting the prophecy of betrayal by a close companion. John 6:70-71 Earlier in the Gospel of John, Jesus alludes to the fact that one of the twelve is a devil, referring to Judas Iscariot. Matthew 26:14-16 This passage describes Judas' agreement with the chief priests to betray Jesus, providing context to the fulfillment of prophecy. Acts 1:16-20 Peter speaks about the fulfillment of Scripture concerning Judas' betrayal and his subsequent replacement among the apostles. People Jesus, Judas, Peter, SimonPlaces JerusalemTopics TRUE, Bread, Chose, Chosen, Disciples, Eateth, Eating, Eats, Foot, Fulfill, Fulfilled, Heel, Lift, Lifted, Myself, Ones, Order, Says, Scripture, Shares, Speak, Speaking, Takes, Talking, Writing, WritingsDictionary of Bible Themes John 13:18 1680 types Library December 16 MorningHaving loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.--JOHN 13:1. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.--Greater … Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path May 16 Morning July 10 Morning July 4 Morning July 28 Morning September 4 Evening October 21 Evening August 30. "Happy are Ye if Ye do Them" (John xiii. 17). The Love of the Departing Christ 'Is it I?' The Dismissal of Judas Cannot and Can Seeking Jesus A Rash Vow The Servant-Master The Glory of the Cross 'As I have Loved' Quo Vadis? October the Twentieth the Lord as the Servant 25TH DAY. Heavenly Illumination. Love is the Touchstone by which the Reality of Truth is Perceived... The Paschal Meal. Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet. Links John 13:18 NIVJohn 13:18 NLT John 13:18 ESV John 13:18 NASB John 13:18 KJV John 13:18 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |