John 13:21-32

The unmasking of the Traitor. The truth must now be told plainly. Jesus is troubled (John 12:27), and makes the solemn declaration, One of you shall betray. With the disciples-' looks of amazement contrast the Synoptic account, where their doubts are expressed. Jesus'special friend, reclining on His right, the left being the place of honour, is asked by a nod from the leader of the disciples, always ready to act on the spur of the moment, to find out secretly who is intended. The Lord's answer is apparently ambiguous. He to whom I give the sop would refer to all alike. No one (John 13:28), the Beloved Disciple included, knew why the Lord sent Judas off on an. immediate errand. In the light of later events the Beloved Disciple saw the significance of the fact that the Lord gave the sop to Judas first, which at the time seemed to be simply because He required his services elsewhere. Perhaps the author means that the Beloved Disciple did understand who the traitor was, but like the rest did not grasp the business on which the Lord despatched him. So it came about that he got safely out of the room, into the night, fit symbol of his business. John 13:29 shows that the Feast had not yet begun, or things could not have been bought. Jesus now knows that the first step is taken in the chain of events which is leading through Calvary to Messianic glory. And God is glorified in what the Son accomplishes and suffers, and in return will glorify Him by permitting His return to union with Himself.