#44 - The Gospel of John

John 13:18-30 (NIV)
Read by: Clayton

Throughout the Gospel of John, the duality of light and darkness has been weaving in and out of the narrative. In today’s passage those two forces are embodied by characters who are close to Jesus. John, the beloved disciples representing the light, and Judas who represents the darkness and in the end walks out into it.

Remember, Jesus and his disciples are celebrating the Passover, when Yahweh instructed the people of Israel to sacrifice the spotless lamb so that death would pass over their household. One other cultural detail that makes this passage come alive is that dipping a piece of bread in the dish and passing it to someone was a sign of special friendship. Jesus, in the very act of deep trust and friendship, is betrayed.

----------REFLECT----------

1. What disciple stood out to you the most in this passage?

2. Again, to be passed a piece of bread after it was dipped in the dish was a special sign of friendship. This passage opens up the possibility of being offered the gift of friendship by the light of the world, yet still in the end walking out into darkness. Wherever you’re at today with Jesus, pause and consider your response to his offer of friendship.

3. This passage is full of contrasts: light and darkness, Jesus and the satan, John and Judas, the beloved and the betrayer. We see the depth of Jesus' love in that he opens himself up to the risk of betrayal in his actions towards Judas. Love is vulnerable because you risk betrayal. Take a moment to bring the relationships where you fear betrayal before the LORD. Ask him to fill you with love.

----------CONNECT----------

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