John 13:21

JUDAS EXPOSED (John 13:21-30)

In washing the disciples' feet, Jesus had said, "Ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who would betray him; therefore he said, Ye are not all clean." So early, from the very first, did the thought of Judas and his meditated deed press upon the Savior's spirit. When the washing of feet was over, and Jesus sat down, and the repast began, they all noticed that there was. cloud on the Master's countenance, and the disciple who, sitting next to him, could best read the expression of his face, saw that he was "troubled in spirit." They were not left long in doubt as to the cause. Still sitting at the table and engaged in the solemn feast, he began to speak of his betrayer. Already Judas had been to the chief priests and agreed, for. certain sum of money, to betray the retreat of Jesus at night. The time of the deed had not been determined and the Savior brings it about that Judas, at once, leaves the company and perpetuates his dark crime that night.

21. When Jesus had thus said he was troubled in spirit.

He had just closed his remarks on the lesson of humility and service, illustrated by feet washing, and now. cloud comes over his soul. The phrase, "troubled in spirit," occurs also in chapter 11:33 and 12:27. The Greek word always implies indignation mingled with sorrow. Here there is deep sorrow but condemnation of the traitor. The "trouble of spirit" may be understood better by our own experience. If we have present. company of loving friends and one comes in whom we know to be false,. traitor, uncongenial in every respect, it throws. cloud.. believe that Jesus wanted to speak to his friends alone the glorious last words of Chapter s 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th, and that he deliberately exposed Judas and sent him away.

One of you shall betray me.

Christ had before foretold his betrayal (see Matthew 17:22; Matthew 20:18), but had not declared that one of the twelve should be the betrayer. Judas, led captive by his covetousness, had already agreed to betray him, immediately after his disappointment over the alabaster box of ointment. See Matthew 26:14-16. None else of course knew of it and it is no wonder the Savior's words startled the apostles.