John 13:21-32
21 When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
22 Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.
23 Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.
25 He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
26 Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.
27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.
28 Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.
29 For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.
30 He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.
31 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
32 If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.
When the disciples first started following Jesus He was always pointing them towards one specific moment. The time when Christ would be betrayed only to rise from suffering in a miraculous way that He would be glorified. When Jesus spoke to them and shared that He would be betrayed by someone sitting at this intimate setting this dinner a time usually dedicated to laughter, joy, and fellowship. The disciples were shocked they looked at one another frantically. They could not imagine someone in this room would betray Jesus.
Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves. The scripture is very adamant to say Jesus was “troubled” in His spirit. Jesus did not enjoy the reality one of His followers was going to sin. God does not delight in our sin but rather it grieves Him deeply. He knows what we are doing will only lead to a separation between you and Him.
This is what drove Christ to the cross knowing He alone had the power to remove the physical separation between us and the spirit of God. True forgiveness true freedom was right on the other side of the Cross. On the Cross was a glorious victory over satan and all the powers of darkness. Christ knew very soon He would triumph over evil. Death would be defeated. The blood that would be shed would bring a fountain of joy and blessing to God’s people. Jesus loves souls and this love drove Him to the cross to endure suffering to destroy the old law and live a life manifested in holiness and mercy.
Today is a wonderful day to seek a commitment with Christ, to ask for forgiveness, and pursue a relationship with our Savior. Jesus already knows the sin we have committed, He knew our mistakes before they ever happened and yet He still loves us unconditionally.
Prayer: Jesus I trust in your power to forgive every one of my mistakes. You know me better than I know myself and I trust the things you are bringing into my life even if they are suffering, heartache and pain. They are removing things in my heart you cannot abide with. I want you to live inside me and guide my life.