How should John 6:70 influence our understanding of God's sovereignty in leadership? John 6:70 in Context “Jesus answered them, ‘Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil.’” Key Observations • “Have I not chosen…” – leadership begins with Christ’s deliberate choice, not human merit or vote. • “…you, the Twelve” – the entire group, including Judas, was selected by Jesus Himself. • “Yet one of you is a devil” – foreknowledge of betrayal did not hinder Jesus from appointing Judas; His larger redemptive plan required even a traitor on the leadership team. What the Verse Teaches about God’s Sovereignty in Leadership • Divine prerogative: God reserves the right to raise up and place anyone—even an eventual betrayer—into positions of influence (cf. Daniel 4:17). • Purpose beyond perception: Judas’s inclusion served the messianic mission, fulfilling Scripture (John 13:18; Acts 1:16). Human observation might see failure; God sees fulfillment. • Accountability remains: Judas acted freely and was judged (John 17:12), yet his role was foreordained (Acts 2:23). God’s sovereignty and human responsibility coexist without contradiction. • Protection of the faithful: Jesus’ disclosure preserved the integrity of the eleven; sovereignty does not suppress truth but eventually exposes false shepherds (1 John 2:19). Implications for Church Life Today • Discernment over disillusionment: discovering shortcomings in leaders should drive believers to trust God’s overarching plan rather than abandon confidence in His governance. • Patience under imperfect leadership: God may work through flawed or even hostile leaders for a season (Romans 9:17). Our task is fidelity, prayer, and obedience to Scripture. • Continual reliance on Scripture: measuring leaders against the Word guards the flock and honors God’s sovereign blueprint (Acts 17:11). • Hope in ultimate justice: Christ will sift wheat from chaff; no hidden betrayal escapes His view (Matthew 13:24-30,41-43). Practical Takeaways • Pray for discernment to recognize God’s hand even when leadership choices puzzle us. • Anchor confidence in God’s unerring wisdom rather than a leader’s apparent strength. • Submit joyfully where Scripture permits; stand faithfully where Scripture commands. • Rest in the assurance that God’s redemptive purposes cannot be thwarted by human failure. Supporting Scriptures • Proverbs 21:1 – “A king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes.” • Romans 9:17 – God raised Pharaoh “for this very purpose” to display His power. • Acts 2:23 – Jesus was handed over “by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge,” yet lawless men were accountable. • Revelation 17:17 – God orchestrates even rebellious kings “to accomplish His purpose.” God’s sovereign choice of Judas in John 6:70 reminds believers that the Lord remains firmly in control of leadership appointments, directing history toward His glory and our ultimate good. |
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