How does John 6:71 connect with Old Testament prophecies about betrayal? John 6:71—Setting the Scene “Now He was speaking about Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. He, one of the Twelve, was going to betray Him.” Tracing the Thread Backward—Key Old Testament Prophecies • Psalm 41:9 – “Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.” • Psalm 55:12-14 – “It is not an enemy who taunts me… but it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. We shared sweet fellowship together…” • Psalm 109:8 – “May his days be few; may another take his position.” • Zechariah 11:12-13 – “So they weighed out my wages—thirty pieces of silver… throw it to the potter, the handsome price at which they valued Me!” Point-by-Point Connections • A trusted companion betrays—Psalm 41:9 and 55:12-14 mirror the intimacy Judas enjoyed as one of the Twelve (John 13:18). • Lifting up the heel—The metaphor of treacherous opposition finds literal fulfillment when Judas conspires with Jesus’ enemies (Matthew 26:14-16). • Position forfeited—Psalm 109:8 echoes in Acts 1:20 when the apostles replace Judas with Matthias. • Thirty pieces of silver—Zechariah 11 pinpoints the precise amount Judas received (Matthew 26:15) and how the money ends up in the potter’s field (Matthew 27:9-10). Why the Link Matters • John 6:71 shows Jesus’ foreknowledge, affirming that the betrayal was foretold and woven into God’s redemptive plan. • Each prophecy underscores the reliability of Scripture: centuries-old words align with historical events surrounding Jesus. • Believers can trust that God’s purposes stand, even when carried out through human sin and treachery. |
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