The Weekly Show: Episode 53 - John 13:21-14:14

Join Tim and John as they talk about life and study John Chapter 13 Verses 21- Chapter 14 Verse 14.

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/

Introduction to John 13:21–14:14

“Trouble, Betrayal, and the Promise of Hope”

This section of John's Gospel marks a turning point in the Upper Room narrative. As the shadow of the cross grows darker, Jesus reveals deep truths to His disciples—not only about what is to come, but about who He truly is.

The scene begins with painful revelation: Jesus predicts His betrayal by one of His own. The disciples are stunned, and confusion fills the room. As Judas leaves into the night, Jesus turns His attention to the rest—those who would carry on His mission. He gives them a new commandment: to love one another just as He has loved them.

Then, as Peter boldly declares his loyalty, Jesus foretells his denial. The tension and sorrow rise—but Jesus responds not with despair, but with comforting words that are among the most quoted in all of Scripture:

“Let not your heart be troubled…”

In John 14, Jesus reminds them—and us—that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, the only path to the Father. He offers hope, reassurance, and the promise of greater works to come through the power of prayer and the presence of the Spirit.

Themes to Watch For:

• The tension between betrayal and faithfulness
• The call to love as Jesus loves
• The comforting promises in the face of fear and uncertainty
• The profound claim: Jesus is the exclusive way to the Father
• The invitation to believe, ask, and do greater things in His name

This study calls us to examine our hearts, trust His words, and live in the power of His promises—even in troubled times.

 

Point One: One of You Will Betray Me (John 13:21–30)

Context & Setting

The atmosphere in the Upper Room is already heavy. Jesus has just demonstrated the depth of His servant-hearted love by washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:1–20). But now, He drops a spiritual bombshell:

“Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” (v. 21)

This is not a parable or cryptic warning—Jesus speaks plainly, and the room is stunned into confusion and sorrow. The betrayal is not from a stranger, but from someone close—a friend, a companion, a disciple.

Emotional Tension

• Jesus is troubled in spirit (v. 21), showing the emotional weight of this moment.
• The disciples are uncertain—even Peter doesn’t know who Jesus means.
• John, the beloved disciple, reclines close to Jesus and asks the question directly.

The Dipped Bread – A Sign of Intimacy & Tragedy

Jesus says the betrayer is the one to whom He gives the dipped morsel—a gesture normally associated with honor and affection at a meal.

"So when He had dipped the morsel, He gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot." (v. 26)

This act is layered with symbolism:

• It’s a final act of kindness to Judas.
• It fulfills prophecy (Psalm 41:9): "Even my close friend in whom I trusted...has lifted his heel against me."

Satan Enters Him

Once Judas receives the morsel, Scripture says,

“Satan entered into him.” (v. 27) Judas had opened his heart to greed (see John 12:6), and now he becomes an instrument for evil.

Jesus says, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Judas leaves into the night—a literal and spiritual darkness.

Key Lessons & Reflections

• Jesus knew the heart of Judas and still loved him to the end (John 13:1).
• Sin doesn’t happen suddenly—Judas had been nurturing it secretly.
• Spiritual blindness can exist even among the religious and the close.
• The sovereignty of God is seen even in betrayal—nothing is outside His plan.

Application for Us

• Guard your heart: Betrayal begins long before the final act.
• Check your motives: Are you following Jesus out of love or convenience?
• Recognize Christ’s mercy: Jesus still gave Judas a final invitation—a morsel of grace.
• Walk in the light: Don’t let secret sins drive you into the night.