What is the meaning of John 6:71? He was speaking about Judas Jesus had just finished a hard teaching, and many disciples were leaving (John 6:60–66). Verse 70 records, “Jesus answered them, ‘Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!’ ” The “He” in v. 71 is Jesus, and John clarifies whom He meant. • John’s parenthetical comment underscores Jesus’ divine foreknowledge (John 2:24–25; 13:11). • It shows that none of what happens will catch Him off guard—He is fully aware of Judas’s intentions from the start, reinforcing the reliability of Jesus’ words about eternal life (John 6:68–69). the son of Simon Iscariot John identifies Judas precisely. • Naming the father (cf. John 13:26) highlights the historical reality of the people involved; this is not legend but verifiable history. • “Iscariot” distinguishes him from another disciple named Judas (John 14:22) and may point to his hometown, Kerioth in Judea, reminding readers that Jesus’ band included men from diverse regions (Mark 3:19). • The specificity underscores that betrayal came from within a real, close-knit circle, fulfilling Psalm 41:9: “Even my close friend… has lifted up his heel against me” (quoted in John 13:18). For although Judas was one of the Twelve Judas enjoyed unique privilege: • Personally chosen by Jesus (Luke 6:13–16). • Witness of miracles like the feeding of the five thousand (John 6:11–14). • Trusted with the money bag (John 12:6; 13:29). Yet proximity to truth does not guarantee personal faith. Like the seed among thorns (Mark 4:18–19), Judas allows sin to choke the word. His example warns that outward association with Christ’s people is not the same as inward trust (1 John 2:19). he was later to betray Jesus John looks ahead to the night of the Last Supper (John 13:21–30) and the Garden arrest (John 18:2–5). • Betrayal fulfills Scripture: Zechariah 11:12–13 (thirty pieces of silver, referenced in Matthew 26:14–16; 27:9–10). • God’s sovereignty and human responsibility meet: Acts 2:23 states Jesus was “delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge,” yet Judas acts of his own volition (Luke 22:3–4). • The verse reminds believers that evil can disguise itself in seeming discipleship; vigilance is necessary (2 Corinthians 13:5). summary John 6:71 clarifies Jesus’ shocking statement in v. 70. Though Judas shared in the privileges of the Twelve, Jesus knew he would betray Him. The verse affirms Jesus’ omniscience, the historical specificity of the Gospel accounts, the danger of mere outward association with Christ, and the fulfillment of Scripture in God’s redemptive plan. |
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