John 13:18-38


"I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.' The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus’ side, so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, 'Lord, who is it?' 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. Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, 'What you are going to do, do quickly.' Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 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. So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night. When he had gone out, Jesus said, 'Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.' 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.' Peter said to him, 'Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.' 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.'" (John 13:18-38 ESV)


The Betrayal Foretold

In this passage, we see Jesus preparing His disciples for the imminent betrayal by Judas. He speaks of the fulfillment of Scripture: "He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me" (v. 18), quoting Psalm 41:9. Despite the painful reality of betrayal, Jesus is not taken by surprise. He is fully aware of what is to come and remains in control of the situation. This foreknowledge reveals His divinity and deep trust in God's sovereign plan.

Even as Jesus discloses the betrayal, He does so with a purpose: "I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he" (v. 19). His aim is to strengthen the disciples' faith. Jesus knew that His betrayal would shake them, but by revealing it beforehand, He equips them to endure the coming trial with confidence in His identity as the Messiah.

Scriptures to Study:

Psalm 41:9, Matthew 26:14-16, Acts 1:16-17, John 6:64


The Glorification of the Son of Man

After Judas leaves, Jesus begins to speak about His glorification: "Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him" (v. 31). Although Jesus is heading toward the cross, He views this moment as one of glory, not defeat. The cross is the place where the fullness of God's love, justice, and mercy are displayed. Jesus' sacrificial death is the pinnacle of His obedience to the Father, and through it, He will bring salvation to humanity.

God's glory is manifested in Jesus' willing submission to the cross. While the world may see it as a moment of shame, from God's perspective, it is a moment of victory. Through the suffering of Christ, God’s plan of redemption is brought to completion. For believers, this truth reminds us that the greatest displays of God’s glory often come through trials and suffering, where His power and grace are revealed most fully.

Scriptures to Study:

John 17:1-5, Philippians 2:8-11, Hebrews 12:2, 1 Peter 1:18-21


The New Commandment: Love One Another

In the midst of this pivotal moment, Jesus gives His disciples a new commandment: "that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another" (v. 34). This command to love is not merely an abstract ideal but is modeled on the sacrificial love that Jesus Himself demonstrated. His love was not conditional, but one that gave itself fully—even to the point of death on the cross.

This love is to be the defining mark of Christ's disciples: "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (v. 35). Love, therefore, is the evidence of true discipleship. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His love in our relationships with others. It is a love that goes beyond feelings and is rooted in actions of service, forgiveness, and compassion, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Scriptures to Study:

John 15:12-13, 1 John 3:16-18, Romans 12:9-10, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7


Peter's Denial Foretold

In the final part of this passage, Peter, full of zeal, declares his willingness to lay down his life for Jesus. However, Jesus responds with a sober prediction: "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" (v. 38). Despite Peter’s bold proclamation, Jesus knows Peter’s human weakness and the fear that will soon overcome him.

This exchange reveals the frailty of even the most committed disciples. Peter’s eventual denial is a reminder that none of us can stand strong in our own power. We need the grace of God and the empowering of the Holy Spirit to remain faithful, especially in times of testing. Jesus is fully aware of our weaknesses, yet He offers us forgiveness and restoration, as He did for Peter after the resurrection.

Scriptures to Study:

Luke 22:31-34, Matthew 26:69-75, 2 Timothy 2:13, John 21:15-19


Summary of Key Points


Life Application Questions