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The Gospel of John, The Period of Conference, The Dismissal of the Traitor, Part XII, John 13:23-27 - Lesson 120
John 13:23-26, Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.
This is the first of five occasions where John refers to the disciple "whom Jesus loved."
He refers to he "whom Jesus loved" here in the upper room, at the cross of Jesus, at the empty tomb, and at the lake of Tiberias.
This is the same disciple referred to in John 21:24, which says: This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.
Whom Jesus loved, is John, the writer of this Gospel.
This spiritual closeness to the Lord was expressed physically by John who reclined next to Christ at supper, most likely on his left side leaving his right arm and hands free for eating.
To make room for the twelve around a common table each would perhaps lean near or touch the man to his left.
This is how we are told John was next to Christ.
Christ on John's left and John on Christ's right with John leaning on Christ's bosom.
Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.
Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.
The word beckoned is from a Greek word meaning to nod or signal.
Since Peter did not speak it appears he was some distance away and other disciples were between him and John.
So he motioned or signaled John to find of whom the Lord was speaking.
So John, because of his physical closeness to Jesus Christ, leans back on Christ's breast and whispers in his ear, Lord, who is it?
Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.
It is apparent from verse 28 that he spoke this privately to John and not to all the disciples.
So even at these last minutes of Christ's ministry to Judas he shows favor to him by giving him a piece of bread dipped in a tasty sauce, perhaps of dates, raisins, and sour wine.
A final act of kindness to the traitor before he gave himself to Satan.
A final act by Grace himself to appeal to the heart of Judas.
No doubt the disciples as they watched this scene, would not understand that this honor to Judas was Christ's way of appealing one last time to Judas and also pointing out the traitor to John.
Because of this act of kindness they probably eliminated him from any consideration as the betrayer of Jesus Christ.
But instead of being drawn to Christ it cemented his resolve against Christ.
Perhaps by this act he became convinced that Jesus did not know he was the betrayer.
Perhaps Judas thought, "Why would he honor me if he knew my heart?
If he were the Messiah he would not honor me. He must be a fake.
John 13:27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.
Judas had now prepared himself for Satan.
He has totally rejected the Savior's appeal.
He has hardened himself against all access by love and goodness of Jesus Christ.
At this point there is no return and no hope.
God allows Satan to enter into Judas because Judas has given himself to be the willing instrument of Satan.
He is now possessed by the evil one.
By his will he has given himself over to Satan.
So instead of looking into the eyes of Judas, Jesus now looks into the eyes of Satan and says to Satan:
That thou doest, do quickly.
Judas you are no longer savable.
You are no longer one of the twelve, you are dismissed, you are a reprobate.
Your heart demands to show itself, I allow you the opportunity.
Your evil is of such intensity that you must express it in outward acts.
As you are now fully determined to do evil then go and do it quickly.
Go on and do it; there need be no delay; it needs to be done this very night and I am ready for it all for my hour has come.
That thou doest, do quickly. |