August 12, 2019: SOAP #3538:  Jeremiah 7-9; John 13

Scripture:  John (NIV) 13:21 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.” …
25 Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 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.

Observation:  There are so many arguments I could have given Jesus for standing up and publicly shaming Judas Iscariot for what he was about to do.  Judas was opening the door for the greatest pain and sorrow Jesus, the Son of God and the Son of Man would ever experience.  Judas was opening a door he would not be able to close; he tried by returning the money received for betraying Jesus.  His great remorse would lead to suicide.

Jesus had lovingly washed Judas’ feet along with the other disciples.  And now to identify his betrayer, Jesus uses a custom often used by a host to single out a favored guest—he takes some bread, dips it into a bowl of flavoring and hands it to Judas.  Other than the one asking the question, no one would expect what Judas was about to do.

The actions of Jesus expressed His heart and character, not the heart and character of Judas.  He was always in control of his emotions and choices.

Application:   Greater is He that is in me than He that is in the world!  (IJohn 4:4) He has a greater influence on what flows out of my life than what I am facing in the world.

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, may Jesus shine out of me.  When circumstances try to control my response, help me let Jesus shine through me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!