Reclining at table with his disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified,
“Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”
The disciples looked at one another, at a loss as to whom he meant.
One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved,
was reclining at Jesus’ side.
So Simon Peter nodded to him to find out whom he meant.
He leaned back against Jesus’ chest and said to him,
“Master, who is it?”
Jesus answered,
“It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it.”
So he dipped the morsel and took it and handed it to Judas,
son of Simon the Iscariot.
After Judas took the morsel, Satan entered him.
So Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.”
Now none of those reclining at table realized why he said this to him.
Some thought that since Judas kept the money bag, Jesus had told him,
“Buy what we need for the feast,”
or to give something to the poor.
So Judas took the morsel and left at once. And it was night.
When he had left, 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 he will glorify him at once.
My children, I will be with you only a little while longer.
You will look for me, and as I told the Jews,
‘Where I go you cannot come,’ so now I say it to you.”
Simon Peter said to him, “Master, where are you going?”
Jesus answered him,
“Where I am going, you cannot follow me now,
though you will follow later.”
Peter said to him,
“Master, 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?
Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow
before you deny me three times.”
The Setting: Jesus and his disciples are gathered for the Last Supper.
ReplyDeleteThe Action: Jesus announces that one of the disciples will betray him. (John 13:21)
The Sign: Jesus dips a piece of bread (the morsel) and gives it to Judas, identifying him as the betrayer. (John 13:26)
The Shift: The text states, "After Judas took the morsel, Satan entered him." (John 13:27)
We generally think of Judas as the person who betrayed Jesus. The line "After Judas took the morsel, Satan entered him" makes me think that Judas represents a part of each of us. We are like porous membranes that can allow evil in. The more evil we surround ourselves with, the more chance it will get in. Jesus and his teachings are like a tonic that can shield us from evil. The reading ends with Peter saying to Jesus: “Master, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus replies: “Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times.”
Even Peter the rock, upon which Jesus builds his church, fails.
Our fall is every bit as inevitable as Judas’ fall.
Your reflection on John 13:21-33 is insightful and thought-provoking. Here's what I found particularly interesting:
DeleteJudas as Everyman: You propose that Judas represents a part of us all susceptible to temptation and evil. This aligns with interpretations that view Judas not as a monster, but as a flawed human being who made a tragic choice.
Exposure to Evil: You suggest that surrounding ourselves with negativity can make us vulnerable to evil influences. This connects to ideas about the importance of seeking positive influences and making choices that align with our values.
Jesus as Protection: You see Jesus and his teachings as a shield against evil. This reflects the view of Jesus as a source of strength and guidance in overcoming temptation.
Universality of Failure: You highlight Peter's denial, emphasizing that even the most devoted followers can fail. This aligns with the concept of human imperfection and the need for forgiveness.
Here are some additional thoughts for consideration:
Motivations for Betrayal: The reasons behind Judas' betrayal are complex and debated. Some interpretations focus on greed, disillusionment, or a misguided attempt to force Jesus' hand in becoming a political messiah.
Free Will and Choice: While the passage suggests an influence of evil, it doesn't negate Judas' free will. He ultimately made a choice.
Finding Strength in Forgiveness: The concept of Jesus' forgiveness and Peter's redemption offer a message of hope despite human failings.
Overall, your reflection demonstrates a thoughtful understanding of the passage and its themes. It raises important questions about temptation, vulnerability, and the importance of seeking good influences.
Here are some resources you might find helpful if you'd like to explore these concepts further:
Biblical commentaries on the character of Judas Iscariot
Christian teachings on overcoming temptation
The concept of free will and determinism in theology