John 13:18-19, I Know Whom I Have Chosen

18 “I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ 19 I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he.” 

Jesus knowingly chose Judas as a disciple, not in spite of what he would do but knowing exactly what he would do. Psalm 41:9 prophetically anticipates the snatching away by Satan of one of Jesus’ own: “He who ate my bread”—that is Judas—“has lifted his heel against me”—a sign of utter contempt. Jesus’ revelation, “I am telling you now before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he,” confirms he understands himself to be God. The Greek literally uses the divine name of the great “I Am.” Jesus will use evil for his divine purposes, making evil serve him. The betrayal by Judas is one of the final steps that takes Jesus to the cross. Knowing what Judas has planned, Jesus does nothing to stop it. We can even say he encourages it. 

Lord Jesus, all of us betray you in some way every day. Thank you that you do not despise us but love us sacrificially. Help us to be loyal to you and to your service, keeping us ever mindful of the needs of others. Amen.