What can we learn about Jesus' foreknowledge from John 13:27? Text at a glance “After Judas had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus said to him, ‘What you are about to do, do quickly.’ ” (John 13:27) Clear evidence of foreknowledge • Jesus knows Judas’s exact plan before it happens. • He initiates the timing: “do quickly,” showing control, not surprise. • The command is given while the other disciples remain unaware (John 13:28-29). Earlier indications that Jesus already knew • John 6:64 — “Jesus had known from the beginning who did not believe and who would betray Him.” • John 6:70-71 — “Did I not choose you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” • John 13:10-11 — “Not all of you are clean.” • John 13:18 — “...so that the Scripture will be fulfilled: ‘He who shares My bread has lifted up his heel against Me.’” Foreknowledge confirmed after verse 27 • John 18:4 — “Jesus, knowing all that was coming upon Him, stepped forward.” • John 19:28 — “Jesus, knowing that everything was now accomplished...” • Acts 1:16 — Peter states the betrayal “had to be fulfilled” as foretold by the Spirit through Scripture. What this tells us about Jesus • Divine omniscience — He possesses complete knowledge of future events (Isaiah 46:10). • Sovereignty over timing — He directs even hostile actions to align with God’s redemptive plan (Acts 2:23). • Fulfillment of prophecy — He consciously brings Psalm 41:9 to pass. • Assurance for believers — If He foresaw and governed His own betrayal, He can handle our futures (Romans 8:28). Personal takeaways • Nothing catches Jesus off guard; we can rest in His perfect knowledge. • His foreknowledge is not passive—He actively guides history for our salvation. • Obedience becomes easier when we remember the One we follow sees the end from the beginning. |
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