What is the meaning of John 13:22? The disciples looked at one another • The moment follows Jesus’ stunning declaration, “Truly, truly, I tell you, one of you will betray Me” (John 13:21). • Their shared glance reveals immediate corporate unease. Nobody assumes innocence for the group; everyone senses the gravity of Jesus’ words (Luke 22:23). • The gaze also shows fellowship—these men have walked with Jesus three years. Betrayal from inside that inner circle feels unthinkable (Psalm 55:12-14; John 6:70-71). perplexed • “Perplexed” captures honest bewilderment. Even though Jesus had repeatedly predicted His betrayal (Matthew 17:22-23; Mark 9:31-32), the disciples still struggle to process it. • Their confusion exposes human limitation: proximity to truth does not guarantee immediate understanding (John 12:16). • It also highlights how sin can lurk undetected, prompting humility rather than presumption (Proverbs 20:9; 1 Corinthians 10:12). as to which of them He meant • Each disciple silently examines his own heart. In Matthew’s parallel account they ask, “Surely not I, Lord?” (Matthew 26:22). • This self-searching attitude models a healthy response when confronted by the possibility of sin—look inward before pointing outward (2 Corinthians 13:5; Psalm 139:23-24). • Jesus’ statement forces them to reckon with the uncomfortable truth that even close followers can betray Him, underscoring humanity’s need for grace (Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:23-24). summary John 13:22 shows loyal companions suddenly unsettled by Jesus’ prophecy. Their mutual glance reveals communal shock; their perplexity underscores limited spiritual perception; their concern about “which of them” prompts sober self-examination. Together these reactions call modern disciples to humility, vigilance, and dependence on God’s grace, confident that Scripture’s record is both accurate and instructive for every generation. |
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