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Commentaries
English
John
  
2. The traitor exposed and disconcerted
(John 13:18-32)
18I am not speaking of you all; I know whom I have chosen; it is that the Scripture may be fulfilled, "He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me."19I tell you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am He."


Judas lived sorrowfully, not loving meekness and service. He chose violence, dominance and treachery. He desired to lord it over Jesus by deceit. He may have aimed at forcing Christ’s hand to seize power. Whereas he was at heart an opponent, wishing to trample on Jesus and plot his execution. He failed to realize what love involved and was proud, whereas Jesus humbled himself. Judas purposed arrogance, dominance and violent means, while Jesus chose to remain a meek and gentle servant.
Jesus was preparing his disciples for the hour of betrayal, so that they might not doubt his Lordship, even if he was to be delivered to Gentiles. He is Lord in person, witnessing to his hour of weakness in advance, calling himself "The I AM". In this expression God revealed himself in the burning bush before Moses. He wanted to confirm his disciples’ faith by such assurances of his divinity, that they might not fall into doubt and temptation.