32: Betrayal and Denial (John 13:18 – 38)

Though Jesus loved them to the end, laying down His life, their response was betrayal and denial.

πŸ‘‰ Read John 13:18 - 38


Q1. Why did Jesus foretell Judas’ betrayal?

To let them know Jesus was the Messiah.

Verse 20 alludes to Judas’ failure to accept Jesus. Judas must have believed in God but not Jesus, just like the religious leaders.


Q2. Jesus was greatly distressed (verse      ) that He would be betrayed by someone so intimate that they eat together (verses     ,     ). Jesus pointed out Judas by handing out a peace of (         ). However, they didn’t catch the meaning. 

21, 18, 26, bread

John said Satan entered to Judas after he took the bread. (27) John emphasizes Jesus’ initiative in approaching the cross.

Denial or betrayal by own disciple and rejection by own people are a theme of Jesus’ crucifixion.

Why did He need to be betrayed and denied? It tells the nature of our sins. Our denial and refusal of God's authority is our life hurt God's heart that way. To forgive such sins, the Messiah should suffer denial and betrayal.


Q3. How does the world realize if a church is a healthy one?   

When they love.

Love is the spirit of the ‘old’ commandments. Then, why does Jesus call it a new command? While the Mosaic law was given to the old creation, the command of love was given to the new creation. Also, we are to love one another in the degree of Jesus’ love for us. The love of the believers should be different from the love of this world. 


Q4. When Jesus said, ‘Where I am going you cannot (        ),’ Peter said he would lay down his (       ) for Jesus. However, Jesus predicted Peter’s three times of denials before (        ) crows.

Come, life, a rooster

Note that what was requested from Peter was not to lay down his life for Jesus but to love others. Loving others is more important accomplishing ministry output.



Meditate on Jesus’ sacrifice. He was supposed to be betrayed, as the scripture says. Don’t think you can do a lot of things for Jesus. Rather, love your family, friends, and church, even though they disappoint or hurt you. That is the love Jesus showed for his disciples who had failed.


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