How does John 13:28 illustrate the disciples' lack of understanding of Jesus' mission? Setting the Scene Jesus and the Twelve are gathered for what we call the Last Supper. The Master has just washed their feet (John 13:1-17), predicted His betrayal (13:21), and quietly handed a morsel to Judas, signaling the traitor. Judas slips out; night has fallen (13:30). Emotions are high, yet the remaining disciples still aren’t connecting the dots. The Verse at the Center “ But none of those reclining at the table understood why Jesus had said this to him.” (John 13:28) A Moment of Confusion • Jesus tells Judas, “What you are about to do, do quickly” (13:27). • Instead of seeing betrayal, the disciples assume mundane errands—maybe buying supplies for the feast or giving alms to the poor (13:29). • Their heads are filled with Passover logistics; their hearts miss the looming cross. Roots of Their Misunderstanding 1. Messianic Expectations – Many first-century Jews pictured a conquering King who would overthrow Rome (cf. Luke 24:21). – Even after three years with Jesus, the disciples leaned toward that political hope (Acts 1:6). 2. Selective Listening – Jesus had repeatedly predicted His death and resurrection (Matthew 16:21; 17:22-23; 20:18-19). – Each time, the disciples either argued (Matthew 16:22) or remained puzzled (Mark 9:32). 3. Spiritual Blindness – “But they understood none of these things; the meaning was hidden from them” (Luke 18:34). – Until the Spirit opened their eyes (John 16:13; Acts 2:14-36), clarity would elude them. A Pattern Already Seen • John 2:22—Only after the resurrection did they grasp Jesus’ words about raising the temple of His body. • John 12:16—They did not understand the triumphal entry until “after Jesus was glorified.” • John 13:7—“What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will understand later.” John 13:28 fits this larger portrait: sincere followers, convinced of Scripture’s truth, yet slow to perceive how Christ would fulfill it through suffering. What Jesus Wanted Them to See • The Passover Lamb: His impending death would accomplish a greater exodus—deliverance from sin (1 Corinthians 5:7). • Voluntary Sacrifice: Judas’s betrayal, though wicked, served a divine timetable (“the hour” long foretold; John 12:23). • Sovereign Control: By dismissing Judas, Jesus shows He—not the traitor, not Rome—directs events (John 10:18). Lessons for Our Walk • Familiarity can blur vision; proximity to truth doesn’t guarantee comprehension. • We need the Spirit’s illumination (1 Corinthians 2:12-14) to recognize God’s purposes, especially when they clash with our assumptions. • Trust Christ’s Word even when you can’t trace His hand—He is always moving toward redemption’s goal. John 13:28 reminds us that misunderstanding never thwarts God’s plan; it only highlights the grace that eventually opens eyes and hearts to the full, saving mission of Jesus. |
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