CHOICE AND CONSEQUENCE

JOHN 13:18–30

“He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me”

(John 13:18b).

In this account of Jesus identifying His betrayer, we will focus on two parts: verse 18, “I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen;” and verse 27, “Now after the piece of bread. Satan entered him (Judas).” The former reveals God’s sovereignty, and the latter shows the consequence of a hardened heart.

In verse 18, Jesus speaks of “choosing.” What did He mean? He had certainly chosen all of His disciples, including Judas. The context, therefore, of this choosing is not Judas’ status as a “follower” but as a redeemed individual. Notice that Jesus does not say, “I know who has rejected Me.” He simply says, “I know whom I have chosen.” He knew the twisted nature of Judas’ heart, and He knew who had been chosen to be His and who had not. This is a continual theme throughout the Gospel. Jesus’ power over all things, including our wicked hearts, is emphasized lime and again. He is sovereign over the winds, the turbulent waves, the frailty of our bodies, and the condition of our hearts. If He has chosen to change that condition, then we are His. But, if He has not chosen to renew our lifeless souls, then we have no part with Him.

It must be emphasized that despite the sovereignty of God in the dispensing of grace, Judas is not relinquished of his responsibility. He hardened himself against the warnings of Christ. He allowed greed to propel him into betrayal. And as a result, he became so hardened in his sin that he was given over to Satan. This is what was meant when John said that “Satan entered him.” Hendriksen writes, “The devil had put an evil suggestion into the heart of Judas. Judas had acted upon that suggestion. Now the devil puts himself into Judas’ heart. That is his usual method of procedure with those who do not resist him. Satan takes full possession of the betrayer’s soul. Judas is now a completely hardened individual. The warnings of Jesus had not been heeded. Now they will no longer be issued,” Jesus is through with Judas.

One might conclude that Judas was not at fault, after all Jesus had not chosen him. But nowhere does God excuse him. Judas chose to betray his Teacher, and as a result, he unwittingly gave himself over to Satan.

CORAM DEO

Psalm 79–81

Romans 8:1–18

Read verse 21. How did Jesus feel about Judas’ sin? Such a response proves that our Lord is not a cold, indifferent sovereign. He is “troubled” by sin. What is your response to sin, not only in others but in yourself? If you are not troubled by it, pray that God will help you to be troubled by sin, as Jesus was.

For further study: Ps. 41:9 • Luke 22:14–23 • John 15:25; 17:12 • 1 John 2:18–19

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