Topical Bible: Jesus, the Christ: Foretells his Betrayal (In Jerusalem)

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In the narrative of the Gospels, Jesus Christ's foretelling of His betrayal stands as a pivotal moment in His earthly ministry, underscoring His divine omniscience and the fulfillment of prophetic Scripture. This event is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—and is further elaborated in the Gospel of John. It occurs during the final week of Jesus' life, often referred to as Passion Week, as He and His disciples are in Jerusalem for the Passover.

Context and Setting

The foretelling of Jesus' betrayal takes place in the intimate setting of the Last Supper, a Passover meal shared with His twelve disciples. This meal is not only a commemoration of Israel's deliverance from Egypt but also a foreshadowing of the new covenant that Jesus is about to establish through His sacrificial death.

Scriptural Accounts

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus explicitly reveals the impending betrayal: "And while they were eating, He said, 'Truly I tell you, one of you will betray Me'" (Matthew 26:21). This announcement is met with sorrow and disbelief among the disciples, each questioning, "Surely not I, Lord?" (Matthew 26:22).

Mark's account mirrors this narrative, emphasizing the gravity of the moment: "While they were reclining and eating, Jesus said, 'Truly I tell you, one of you who is eating with Me will betray Me'" (Mark 14:18). The shared meal, a symbol of fellowship and unity, is contrasted with the impending act of treachery.

Luke provides additional insight into the divine necessity of these events: "But behold, the hand of My betrayer is with Mine on the table. Indeed, the Son of Man will go as it has been determined, but woe to that man who betrays Him" (Luke 22:21-22). Here, Jesus acknowledges the fulfillment of divine prophecy while pronouncing a solemn warning to the betrayer.

The Gospel of John offers a more detailed interaction, highlighting Jesus' identification of Judas Iscariot as the betrayer: "Jesus answered, 'It is the one to whom I give this morsel after I have dipped it.' Then He dipped the morsel and gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot" (John 13:26). This act, laden with symbolic meaning, signifies the moment of Judas's decision to betray his Master.

Theological Significance

The foretelling of Jesus' betrayal is rich with theological implications. It demonstrates Jesus' foreknowledge and control over the events leading to His crucifixion, affirming His identity as the Messiah who willingly lays down His life for humanity. This moment also fulfills Old Testament prophecies, such as Psalm 41:9, which speaks of betrayal by a close friend.

Moreover, the betrayal serves as a profound lesson on the nature of sin and human frailty. Despite being in the presence of divine love and truth, Judas chooses to succumb to temptation, illustrating the tragic reality of free will misused.

Conclusion

Jesus' foretelling of His betrayal is a testament to His divine mission and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. It invites believers to reflect on the depth of Christ's love and the cost of discipleship, urging them to remain steadfast in faith and vigilant against the snares of betrayal and sin. As the events of Passion Week unfold, this moment foreshadows the ultimate act of love and sacrifice that Jesus is about to accomplish on the cross.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 26:23
And he answered and said, He that dips his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.
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Mark 14:18-21
And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Truly I say to you, One of you which eats with me shall betray me.
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Luke 22:21
But, behold, the hand of him that betrays me is with me on the table.
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John 13:18
I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eats bread with me has lifted up his heel against me.
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Library

The Four-Fold Gospel
... Greeks Seek Jesus. He Foretells that He Shall Draw All Men Unto Him. ... The Second Coming
of Christ. CXV. ... The Paschal Meal. Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... heavenly powers in the heavenly places in Jerusalem which is ... he might show the exceeding
riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus," after a ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /