Reclining at the table
with his disciples,
Jesus was deeply troubled
and testified,
“Amen, amen, I say to you,
one of you will betray me.”
(John 31:21)
Betrayal and denial are two deeply human experiences that can shake trust and relationships to their core. Betrayal often involves deliberate deception or disloyalty, like Judas betraying Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Denial, on the other hand, is often rooted in fear or self-preservation, like Peter denying Jesus three times before the rooster crowed.
The difference between the two lies in intent and redemption. Judas' betrayal was calculated, and he ultimately succumbed to despair. Peter's denial, though painful, was followed by repentance and restoration. This contrast highlights how people respond to their own failures—some seek redemption, while others struggle to find a way back.
The path of discipleship is not always easy or immediate and following Jesus may involve trials and challenges. We all have the capacity to fail and make mistakes. This is the reality of our human weakness and frailty of our human nature. But it’s not the end; God’s grace is bigger than our failures. He loves us even when we fail Him. Nothing surprises God, He knows our actions before we even make them. God is always in control.
The path of discipleship, a journey so steep,
Not always easy, the climb is quite steep.
Trials and challenges, we meet on the way,
Yet, in Jesus' footsteps, we strive to stay.
Human weakness, frailty so real,
We stumble, we falter, yet we heal.
Mistakes we make, in numbers untold,
Yet, in God's grace, we find our hold.
It's not the end, when we fail, when we fall,
God's grace is bigger, it covers all.
His love, unwavering, when we're lost, when we sin,
In His loving arms, we find our win.
Nothing surprises God, He knows our heart,
Our actions, our thoughts, right from the start.
In control, always, He guides our way,
In His perfect plan, we sway.
So, let us trust, let us believe,
In His love, His grace, we receive.
For God is our guide, our strength, our goal,
In His hands, we find our soul.
Dear Lord Jesus,
We acknowledge that the path of discipleship is not always easy or immediate. Following You may involve trials and challenges, yet we know that You are with us every step of the way.
We recognize our human weakness and the frailty of our nature. We know that we have the capacity to fail and make mistakes. But we also know that it’s not the end; Your grace is bigger than our failures. You love us even when we fail You.
We are comforted by the fact that nothing surprises You. You know our actions before we even make them. You are always in control.
Help us to remember these truths in our daily lives. Strengthen our faith and guide us on our journey. May we always seek to do Your will and glorify Your name.
In Your precious name, we pray,
Amen.
Pericope:
III: The Book of Glory
ANNOUNCEMENT OF JUDAS'S BETRAYAL
John 13:21-30
Gospel Acclamation
Hail to you, our King, obedient to the Father; you were led to your crucifixion like a gentle lamb to the slaughter.
Gospel | John 13:21-33, 36-38
21 Reclining at table with his disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, “Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, at a loss as to whom he meant. 23 One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus’ side. 24 So Simon Peter nodded to him to find out whom he meant. 25 He leaned back against Jesus’ chest and said to him, “Master, who is it?” 26 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. 27 After Judas took the morsel, Satan entered him. So Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” 28 Now none of those reclining at table realized why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that since Judas kept the moneybag Jesus had told him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or to give something to the poor. 30 So Judas took the morsel and left at once. And it was night. 31 When he had left, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once. 33 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.” 36 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.” 37 Peter said to him, “Master, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38 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.”
Background:
John 13:21-33, 36-38 is a part of the Gospel of John that takes place during the Last Supper. This passage is a poignant moment of double betrayal, first by Judas Iscariot and then by Simon Peter.
In this passage, Jesus, while at supper with his disciples, is troubled in spirit and solemnly declares that one of them will betray him. The disciples look at one another, uncertain of whom Jesus is referring to. Simon Peter signals to the disciple whom Jesus loved (believed to be John), who was reclining next to Jesus, to ask who Jesus means. Jesus then identifies the betrayer as the one to whom he gives a piece of bread after dipping it in the dish. He dips the bread and gives it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot. After Judas takes the bread, Satan enters him. Jesus tells Judas to do quickly what he is going to do. None of the other disciples understand why Jesus says this. Some think that Jesus is telling Judas, who had charge of the common fund, to buy what they need for the festival or to give something to the poor. After receiving the piece of bread, Judas immediately goes out.
After Judas leaves, Jesus speaks about his glorification and tells his disciples that he will be with them only a little longer. Simon Peter asks Jesus where he is going. Jesus replies that where he is going, Peter cannot follow him now, but will follow later. Peter insists that he is ready to lay down his life for Jesus. Jesus then prophesies that before the cock crows, Peter will deny him three times.
This passage underscores the human frailty of the disciples and the impending sacrifice of Jesus. It sets the stage for the events of the Passion and highlights themes of betrayal, misunderstanding, and divine foreknowledge.
Learning Lessons
John 13:21-33, 36-38 offers several valuable lessons for our spiritual journey:
Foreknowledge of God: Jesus’ knowledge of Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial shows that God is omniscient. He knows our actions before we even make them. This can be a source of comfort, knowing that nothing surprises God, and He is always in control.
Human Weakness: Both Judas and Peter show us the frailty of human nature. Judas betrays Jesus, and Peter, despite his best intentions, denies Jesus. This teaches us that we all have the capacity to fail and make mistakes. But it’s not the end; God’s grace is bigger than our failures.
God’s Love Amidst Betrayal: Even knowing Judas would betray Him, Jesus still loved him. This shows the depth of God’s love for us, even when we fail Him.
The Call to Follow Jesus: Jesus tells Peter that he will follow Him later, indicating the path of discipleship is not always easy or immediate. It reminds us that following Jesus may involve trials and challenges.
Repentance and Restoration: While not directly mentioned in these verses, Peter’s story doesn’t end with his denial. He repents and is restored, teaching us about the power of repentance and God’s willingness to forgive and restore us.
In summary, these verses remind us of God’s omniscience, the reality of human weakness, the depth of God’s love, the call to follow Jesus, and the power of repentance and restoration. These lessons can guide us in our spiritual journey and help us grow in our relationship with God.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
