John provided a detailed description of the final meal and conversation Jesus shared with his disciples. It’s a fascinating glimpse into Jesus’ relationship with those he loves—followers as well as those who choose not to follow. 
Read John 13:18-20.
- Jesus knew those he chose.
“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified” (Romans 8:29-30).
- The way I’ve heard this explained is Jesus knew those who would choose him. All mankind has free choice, and since Jesus knew who would choose, he knew ahead of time (pre-) whose destiny would be heaven.
- He chose his disciples out of kindness, favor, and love.1
- Jesus said he would identify his betrayer with a gesture, that Scripture might be fulfilled.
- “Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me” (Psalm 41:9).
- Jesus assured his disciples all was under his control and authority, even that his betrayer would come from among his close friends.
- Michael Card commented on this fact in his song, “Why.”2
- The one who would betray would figuratively lift his heel in hostility to attack and injure Jesus.3
- This had been foretold practically since the beginning of time.
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel” (Genesis 3:15).
- Jesus foretold these things to his disciples to demonstrate his authority over the situation as well as his identity.
- Twice in this passage, Jesus used the “amen” phrase to say he, the Truth itself, tell you this truth that is by nature incapable of error.
- Once to say when people embrace and follow Jesus’ teaching, they accept him.4 We’ll read the second time next week.
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
- He then reassured the disciples they would receive the same acknowledgement when they proclaimed Jesus and his message by all who chose to truly follow Jesus.5
- John’s account illustrates how deeply this conversation affected Jesus.
- He mentioned his betrayer, and he reassured the disciples.
*What is the significance of our free choice?
*Given the reality of free choice, why did Jesus choose to call the disciples he did?
*What do we learn about Jesus’ identity in this passage?
*What does it mean to accept Jesus?
*Why did a close friend choose to betray Jesus?
- Spiros Zodhiates Th.D., The Complete Word Study Dictionary New Testament (AMG Publishers, 1992), 544.
- Michael Card, “Why?” (Records, date)
- Zodhiates, 611, 621.
- Zodhiates, 908.
- Zodhiates, 1136-1137.