📖 Passage

John 13:21–38 Read John 13:21–38 (NKJV)

🧠 Context & Background

This passage takes place in the upper room immediately after Jesus’ act of foot washing. The atmosphere is heavy as Jesus predicts His betrayal and Judas’ treachery becomes imminent. Culturally, sharing bread at a meal was a gesture of friendship and trust, intensifying the treachery of Judas’ actions. The section also records Jesus’ “new commandment” to love one another as He has loved His disciples — a love marked by sacrificial service and humility. Finally, Peter’s overconfidence is confronted with the sobering prediction of his denial.

🌿 Key Themes

• Betrayal in Fulfillment of Scripture — Judas’ actions fulfill Old Testament prophecy.
• Sacrificial Love — The “new commandment” redefines love in light of the cross.
• Divine Sovereignty — Jesus remains in control even in the face of treachery.
• Humility and Honesty — Peter’s zeal is tempered by the reality of human weakness.
• Christ’s Glory Through the Cross — The betrayal sets in motion the events that reveal God’s glory.

📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary

John 13:21–26

"One of you will betray Me." - Emotional Turmoil — Jesus is “troubled in spirit,” showing His humanity and sorrow over sin.
- Intimate Setting — The reclining posture emphasizes closeness and vulnerability among the disciples.
- Bread as Identification — Giving bread to Judas highlights the depth of personal betrayal.

John 13:27–30

"What you are going to do, do quickly." - Satan’s Influence — Judas’ betrayal is satanically inspired, yet under God’s sovereign plan.
- Command Authority — Even in betrayal, Jesus commands the timing.
- Spiritual Blindness — The disciples misunderstand the exchange, thinking Judas is running an errand.

John 13:31–33

"Now is the Son of Man glorified." - Glory in Suffering — The cross is not a defeat but the ultimate display of God’s glory.
- Short Time Remaining — Jesus speaks of His impending departure, underscoring urgency.
- Son of Man Title — Draws from Daniel 7, emphasizing His messianic authority.

John 13:34–35

"Love one another… as I have loved you." - New Commandment — Love is defined by Christ’s sacrificial example.
- Mark of Discipleship — Love is the visible evidence of belonging to Jesus.
- Community Witness — The church’s love testifies to the world about Christ.

John 13:36–38

"Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." - Zeal and Weakness — Peter’s devotion is genuine but lacks endurance.
- Foreknowledge — Jesus predicts events precisely, proving His divine knowledge.
- Grace Foreshadowed — Even in prediction of failure, restoration is implied.

🔍 Trusted Insight

Andreas Köstenberger notes that the “new commandment” is not merely a renewal of Old Testament commands to love, but a deepening of love’s standard to match the self-sacrifice of Jesus’ impending death. D.A. Carson adds that this love is “mutually self-sacrificing, and never self-serving,” forming the lifeblood of Christian community.
Summary: In the shadow of betrayal and denial, Jesus defines the kind of love that will sustain His people after His departure.

🧩 Review Questions

1. How does Jesus’ handling of Judas’ betrayal demonstrate His sovereignty?
2. Why does Jesus connect His glory with His impending crucifixion?
3. What makes the “new commandment” truly new in light of the cross?
4. How does this passage prepare the disciples for the challenges ahead?
5. How can our love for one another be a witness to the world today?

🔍 Definitions

• Betrayal — The act of treachery against one who trusts you.
• Glorification — The display of God’s character and majesty, often through redemptive acts.
• New Commandment — Jesus’ command to love one another as He has loved us.
• Foreknowledge — God’s perfect knowledge of future events.

🙋 Application Questions

1. How do you respond when you feel betrayed by someone close to you?
2. What steps can you take to ensure your love for fellow believers reflects Christ’s sacrificial example?
3. Where might you be overconfident in your faith, like Peter?
4. How does knowing Jesus is sovereign over all events give you peace?

🔤 Greek Keywords

• Paradidōmi (To hand over, betray) — Used for Judas’ betrayal, showing deliberate action.
• Doxazō (To glorify) — To reveal the worth and majesty of God.
• Entolē kainē (New commandment) — Not new in time, but in depth and scope.
• Agapaō (To love) — Self-giving love modeled after Christ.

📚 Cross References

• Psalm 41:9 — Prophecy of betrayal by a close friend.
• Daniel 7:13-14 — The Son of Man’s authority and glory.
• Leviticus 19:18 — Love your neighbor as yourself.
• 1 John 3:16-18 — Love shown through action and truth.
• Luke 22:31-34 — Jesus predicts Peter’s denial and prays for his restoration.

📦 Next Study

Next Study → John 14:1–14