John 13:21-30
The Betrayer Goes Out
Read the passage
21After Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit and testified, “Truly, truly, I tell you, one of you will betray Me.”
22The disciples looked at one another, perplexed as to which of them He meant.
23One of His disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at His side.
24So Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus which one He was talking about.
25Leaning back against Jesus, he asked, “Lord, who is it?”
26Jesus 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.
27And when Judas had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus said to Judas, “What you are about to do, do quickly.”
28But no one at the table knew why Jesus had said this to him.
29Since Judas kept the money bag, some thought that Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the feast, or to give something to the poor.
30As soon as he had received the morsel, Judas went out into the night.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Jesus becomes troubled in spirit and tells the disciples that one of them will betray Him. They look at one another, perplexed. Peter motions to the disciple beside Jesus to ask whom He means. Jesus answers that it is the one to whom He will give the dipped morsel, and He gives it to Judas.
After Judas takes it, Satan enters him. Jesus says, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” Those at the table do not understand why He says this. Because Judas keeps the money bag, some think he is being sent to buy supplies for the feast or give to the poor. Judas leaves and goes out into the night.
The disciples see an ordinary errand where Jesus knows betrayal is underway. His knowledge does not spare Him the pain of it: John has told us He is troubled. Nor does His command turn Judas's action into something good. The passage names the evil at work while showing that Jesus is not deceived by it.
Judas's place at the meal has not made him faithful. He has shared the disciples' life while concealing what he is about to do. This is a reason for honest self-examination, not for assuming the worst about everyone near us. Jesus knows the truth even where the others do not.
Questions
1 What sign does Jesus give about the one who will betray him?
AnswerJesus says the betrayer is the one to whom He will give the morsel after dipping it. He gives the morsel to Judas, and Satan enters Judas.
2 Why are the disciples confused when Judas leaves?
AnswerThe disciples do not understand why Judas leaves. Because Judas kept the money box, some think Jesus is telling him to buy what is needed for the feast or give something to the poor.
3 What does Jesus' command to Judas, “What you are about to do, do quickly,” show about the moment?
AnswerJesus' command shows that He knows Judas' betrayal is underway and allows the moment to proceed according to the appointed purpose. Judas goes out, and John emphasizes that it is night.
4 How can our household face betrayal truthfully without pretending evil is harmless?
AnswerAsk whether anyone in the household is carrying a grievance in secret. Make a safe path for honest conversation, and seek outside help if there is danger or coercion rather than trying to force reconciliation.
What This Means for Us
The passage warns us not to confuse proximity with trustworthiness. A person can use religious belonging, friendship, or family access while pursuing a destructive purpose. Wise love pays attention to patterns and protects people from harm.
It also invites self-examination before accusation. Bring resentment, secrecy, and the desire for control into the light early, and seek help when a relationship is unsafe. Forgiveness does not require pretending that betrayal did not happen.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, expose the secrets and resentments that lead toward harm. Give our household courage for honest conversation, wisdom about safety, and compassion that never excuses betrayal. Amen.