No Greater Love

After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” John 13: 21 (ESV)

“I was told you’re looking for other employment. I need to know, right now, if you are staying on through the end of the year or if you’re leaving.” My heart skipped a beat. Fear and uneasiness gripped me as I grasped for words and struggled over what I should do.

This happened many years ago when I worked in a very stressful job that was not a good fit for me. There was a woman in the organization who was not only my mentor, but my friend. I’d confided in her that I was looking for a new career opportunity. Shortly after, she contacted the Regional Vice President and betrayed my confidence. I was angry and hurt that my friend would turn me over to upper management in that way.

Love and Betrayal

Jesus was betrayed just before He was taken into the custody of Roman authorities. During the last meal Jesus shared with his disciples, He knew that one of His beloved inner circle would betray Him, as foretold in scripture. “Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.” (Psalm 41: 9, John 13: 18)

Jesus knew Judas would betray Him. (John13: 2, 11) He knew it even when He chose Judas as one of His disciples. (John 13:18) Yet as He washed each disciple’s feet in an act of love and humble service, Jesus washed Judas’ feet too. (John 13: 4-5)

A Troubled Heart

John 13:21 reads, Jesus was troubled in His spirit and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” He felt anguished by the rejection, hypocrisy, and betrayal of his friend Judas. Jesus was troubled that Judas faced an eternal destiny in darkness. Perhaps most of all, Jesus felt troubled because He understood that Judas represented sin which He would bear in His own body when he was tortured and nailed to the cross the next day.

One Last Appeal

When John quietly asked, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus revealed, “It is he to whom I shall give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” (John 13: 25-26) Jesus then handed the bread to Judas Iscariot. In Jesus’ time, the giving of dipped bread was a special honor, like giving a toast at a banquet. Jesus expressed this final gesture of love to Judas, as though he were a guest of honor.

“Is it I, Rabbi?” Judas asked. “You have said so.” was Jesus’ reply. (Matthew 26:25) Judas knew Jesus was aware of his intent, and he knew that Jesus loved him. Yet, his heart was hardened and there was nothing Jesus could do for Judas that would change his decision.

No Greater Love

Judas could have softened his heart, in that moment, accepted Jesus’ love and rejected Satan, but he did not. Friend, there is nothing Jesus will not forgive you for. He knows you. He loves you. He died for you. That is a gift freely given. Each one of us has the same opportunity to receive this gift (John 13:20), place our trust in Jesus, and pattern our life after His. In doing so, we receive life everlasting, and the full support and strength of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Jesus, thank you for the gift of your unfathomable love. It is an amazing gift that You truly see each one of us; know us deep in our hearts, and forever love and forgive us. May we always turn to You and live our lives in gratitude for all You have done.

Reflection On My Life

For years, I carried guilt and hurt in my heart over a specific life decision. Eventually, I realized that if Jesus could forgive me long ago, it was time to forgive myself. This brought freedom and peace to my soul and had a positive impact on one of my closest relationships.

Your Turn

• What sin or guilt do you choose to lay down in acceptance of Jesus’ love and forgiveness?
• How will that impact your life?