Betrayal, Love, and Foreknowledge: A Study of John 13:18-38
A Bible study outline focusing on John 13:18-38, exploring themes of betrayal, love, and obedience.
1. The Revelation of Betrayal (John 13:18-20)
1.1 Fulfillment of Prophecy
Verses: John 13:18; Psalm 41:9
- Jesus reveals that one of His own disciples will betray Him, fulfilling prophecy.
- This betrayal highlights the reality of deception even within close relationships.
1.2 Purpose of Revelation
Verses: John 13:19; John 13:20
- Jesus states the purpose of revealing the betrayal beforehand: that when it happens, they may believe that He is the 'I AM'.
- Receiving those whom Jesus sends is equivalent to receiving Jesus Himself, and receiving Jesus is receiving the One who sent Him. This emphasizes the unity of the Godhead.
2. Identifying the Betrayer (John 13:21-30)
2.1 Distress and Confusion
Verses: John 13:21-22
- Jesus is troubled in spirit and declares that one of them will betray Him.
- The disciples are confused and begin to question who it could be.
2.2 The Sign and Identification
Verses: John 13:23-26
- John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining close to Jesus.
- Peter motions to John to ask Jesus who the betrayer is. Jesus identifies Judas Iscariot as the one to whom He will give the dipped piece of bread.
- The act of dipping the bread and giving it to Judas was a sign of identifying him.
2.3 The Act of Betrayal Commenced
Verses: John 13:27-30
- After Judas receives the bread, Satan enters him, signifying the full commitment to the act of betrayal.
- Jesus tells Judas to do what he is going to do quickly. The other disciples do not understand the meaning of this instruction.
- Judas immediately leaves to carry out his betrayal.
3. The New Commandment (John 13:31-35)
3.1 Glorification of the Son
Verses: John 13:31-32
- Jesus declares that the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. This glorification is linked to the upcoming suffering and death.
- God will also glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him shortly. This refers to the resurrection and ascension.
3.2 A Command to Love
Verses: John 13:33-35
- Jesus tells His disciples that He will be with them only a little longer, and they will seek Him, but cannot come where He is going.
- He gives them a new commandment: to love one another as He has loved them. This love is the distinguishing mark of His disciples.
- This love is not merely affection, but a sacrificial and unconditional love demonstrated by Jesus Himself.
4. Peter's Denial Foretold (John 13:36-38)
4.1 Peter's Question and Declaration
Verses: John 13:36-37
- Peter asks Jesus where He is going, and Jesus tells him that he cannot follow Him now, but will follow later.
- Peter boldly declares that he will lay down his life for Jesus.
4.2 The Prophecy of Denial
Verses: John 13:38
- Jesus foretells that Peter will deny Him three times before the rooster crows.
- This prophecy highlights the limitations of human strength and the need for divine grace.