Only two people knew. Jesus knew that Judas would betray Him, and Judas knew the contract he had entered: 30 pieces of silver exchanged for the body of Jesus. But Jesus was not the only one betrayed. The other disciples, although they knew that Judas was a thief (John 12:6), had no idea of the evil he had agreed to do (Luke 22:1-6). So when Jesus announced that one of them would betray him they were very sad. Matthew records, “And while they were eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me." They were very sad and began to say to Him one after the other, "Surely not I, Lord?" (Matthew 26:21-22).
John's comment in verse 30 sums it up: “It was night”. Not just physically dark in the late evening, but morally black and spiritually wicked. For over two and a half years, one dark heart had been so close to the Light of the World but had seen nothing. No wonder Jesus was troubled in spirit. Judas was so near to Him but so far away at the same time. The greatest opportunity of all eternity had been missed. He went out of the group because he could not stay in the light any more; and he never returned.
The church is a wonderful group of people. But it is possible to be in a church, even sing or serve, even preach or pray, but still be in the dark. Although the Judas story is unique, the pattern is common. Often, like the disciples, we do not know the identity of the dark heart. But Jesus does. When it all becomes obvious we all feel betrayed and sad, but none is sadder than Jesus. 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Darkness Within The Fellowship
John 13:21-30
After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, "I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me." His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, "Ask him which one he means." Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, "Lord, who is it?" Jesus answered, "It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish." Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. "What you are about to do, do quickly," Jesus told him, but no-one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the Feast, or to give something to the poor. As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night. (NIV)
Prayer
Loving Father. Thank You for knowing my heart. Where it is dark, I ask You to shine Your light; where it is hard, soften me; and where it is self-serving help me to submit and sacrifice my will to Yours. And I pray for those in the churches who speak about the light but hide in the dark: please may they repent while there is time. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Bible Book
© Dr Paul Adams
