Encountering JesusSample

DISCOVER

Here we witness a moment during the Last Supper when Jesus foretells His betrayal. This event highlights the importance of recognizing the signs of betrayal in our lives and understanding the depth of Jesus' knowledge and love for His disciples. As the Last Supper unfolds, Jesus' spirit was deeply troubled. He knew the weight of what was to come, the betrayal by one of His own disciples. He testified, "Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me." This revelation shocked the disciples, who stared at each other in confusion, unable to identify the betrayer.

LEARN

The disciple whom Jesus loved, traditionally identified as John, reclines next to Jesus. Simon Peter motions to John to ask Jesus who the betrayer is. John, leaning back against Jesus, gently asks, "Lord, who is it?" The closeness of the disciple to Jesus reflects the intimacy of their relationship. Jesus dips a piece of bread and hands it to Judas Iscariot. It is at this moment that Satan enters Judas. Jesus instructs Judas, "What you are about to do, do quickly." The disciples, unaware of the true nature of the situation, interpret Jesus' words differently.

APPLY

Even as Jesus foretells His betrayal, He maintains a deep awareness of each individual at the table. His love for His disciples, including Judas, remains constant. Jesus' foreknowledge of the events to come is a testament to His divine nature and His willingness to bear the pain of betrayal for the sake of God's redemptive plan. In John 13:21-31, we are reminded that betrayal can occur in the most unexpected circumstances, and recognizing the signs of betrayal is vital. Yet, we are also reminded of the depth of Jesus' knowledge and love. As we face the challenges of betrayal in our own lives, may we strive to maintain the same love, grace, and discernment that Jesus demonstrated at the Last Supper, even in the face of impending betrayal.