One of the other themes that we see in the farewell discourse is that of betrayal. In this, maybe the most intimate moment with Jesus and his disciples, the threat of betrayal looms large and dominates a good portion of chapter 13. First, Jesus predicts that Judas would betray him.
John 13:21–30
21 After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. 23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus’ side, 24 so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” 28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.
That, however, wasn't the end of the betrayal. It's bad enough that one of Jesus' 12 closest followers would hand him over to the authorities and betray him. In the next few verses, however, the betrayal runs even deeper.
John 13:36–38
36 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” 37 Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38 Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.
Not only will Judas betray him, but Peter, one of Jesus 3 closest disciples, would betray him also. Peter would deny ever knowing him in spite of his optimism that he would die for him.
The bitter truth that we see here in the life of Jesus is that even the strongest relationships that have been built on countless hours spent together can end in betrayal. Even if one party in the relationship is sinless, how much more 2 sinful people in relationship with one another. These betrayals hurt deeply.
This is the risk we run when we give our time in relationship to one another. The risk of betrayal and heartache always hangs over the head of the church. Yet, it is always a risk work taking. In fact, I would argue that it is in the crucible of these betrayals that give opportunity to shape, change and grow us the most. How else do we learn to forgive if we so insulate ourselves that we are never to be wronged or the wrongs done to us don't bother us because we aren't really that close to those people anyways.
Consider the rest of Peter's story. At the end of John's gospel Peter sees Jesus on the shore while he is out fishing and leaps out of the boat, fully clothed and all, to reach Jesus first. After a meal of fish Jesus walks with Peter on the beach and reinstates him to his ministry, commissioning him to feed his sheep. Then, we know from Acts and church history, that Peter continued faithfully caring for the church and spreading the message of Jesus until he has eventually martyred in Rome. This time, when he was faced with the decision to deny Jesus or die, he remained faithful to Jesus and confessed his lordship, leading to his martyrdom.
Additional Content
Jon and I had a conversation about time spent with others in ministry and the value of that.
Reflection
Forgiveness and reconciliation. Is there anyone who you need to forgive? Is there anyone who you need to pursue reconciliation with due to a recent betrayal? Don't let this be. Pursue forgiveness and reconciliation today.
Audio
ff to 5:12 for additional content