He Loved Them Till the End

In this portion of John 13, we come to the subject of Judas, the very one who would betray Jesus. Scripture does give us a portrait of who Judas was. Ironically, the name Judas, which is the Greek version of the Hebrew word “Judah,” roughly means “Praise” or “Let God be Praised.” We have no information concerning his life prior to him being one of the 12 of Jesus’ inner circle.

Unlike some of the other disciples, Scripture does not tell us how Judas was called by Christ to be His disciple. John, however, does let us know that Judas was the treasurer of the group (John 12:6)... albeit, a corrupt one. He helped himself to the money that was collected. Also, his intentions were not noble - he sought personal gain through ministry (John 12:5). This was obvious to the other 11. They probably had their doubts about Judas - “How does he even qualify to be a part of this inner circle? Why does Jesus still include him in everything that we do? Why is he still the treasurer? Why hasn’t Jesus replaced him with someone more worthy?” That was probably the situation with Judas and the other 11. This dynamic is important to take into account when we look at what really happened at the last supper.

To have a fuller picture, we need to look at a number of details that are hidden in the passages that describe the Lord’s supper. These details would have been “common knowledge” for the early believers who were reading the Gospel of John, but not so for us today. We need to cross the historical context and cultural bridge.

Unlike the Last Supper painting by Leonardo Da Vinci, the disciples were seated around a triclinium table (U-shaped table). More accurately, they were all reclining at the table. According to the details provided in Scripture, Jesus was seated at the seat of the host. Peter, ironically, was seated at the seat reserved for the guest of least importance! He possibly sat there because he thought that Jesus would ask him to exchange his seat with the seat of honour! (false humility!) John was seated to the right of Christ, which was the seat of the 2nd most important guest. Who then sat at the seat of “the guest of honour”? It was Judas. He probably helped himself to the seat, thinking that he was the most worthy of all the other disciples. Perhaps that is why they were arguing about who was the greatest during the night. It was an argument about seating arrangements!

Imagine the atmosphere in the room - everyone looking at Judas with a smirk on their faces - “Who does he think he is? How can he think himself worthy to sit in the seat of honour?”. Then, Jesus did the unthinkable. He knelt down and started to wash his disciples’ feet. Although Scripture does not give us any details concerning the order of whose feet were washed first, I have a strong suspicion that it might have been Judas’... simply because he was sitting in the seat of honour. Imagine the shock that was on the faces of the disciples when their Master knelt down and started to wash Judas’ feet.

I have often wondered what went through Judas’ mind as his feet were being washed. Did he feel disgusted because this was an act unfit for a King? Did he roll his eyes because he was tired of the things Jesus was doing that were contrary to his expectations? Scripture is silent on this. Instead, Scripture highlights to us the extent to which Jesus loved His disciples - “He loved them to the end.” (13:1)

Jesus already knew that Judas was going to betray Him. He could have asked him to leave before the feet-washing. He had every right to do so - Judas was going to betray Him! Yet, Jesus still washed his feet. Jesus’ love towards Judas does not make sense - steadfast in the midst of an impending betrayal. But that is the love of Christ. However, Judas’ heart was so hardened that even the love of Christ did not change his heart. He still went on to betray Christ.

Today’s passage highlights the imperfect love and commitment of Judas in contrast to the perfect and immovable love of Christ towards him. As you go on in your daily life, may you never lose the wonder of what Christ has done for you. May you marvel over and over again at how Christ came to serve and save a sinner like you. And may the Holy Spirit stir your heart to want to love and serve like Christ… even to those who you deem unworthy.

Reflection

• How has God proven His steadfast love to you in your life? Take some time to thank the Lord for it.
• As a cell group, what are the ways you can remember God’s love for you every time you meet?

Application

Always give thanks to the Lord when you experience His steadfast love in your life.