John 13:20

"From now on, I tell you before it happens, that when it happens, you may believe that I am he."

Key Reflection

In the context of the Last Supper, Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the betrayal that will soon take place by one of them. By revealing this information ahead of time and linking it to a future event, Jesus is preparing them for what is to come, thereby deepening their faith in him as the Messiah. The original audience would have understood that such foreknowledge was extraordinary, underscoring Jesus' divine authority and his role as the one who knows the heart of each individual.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 20. He that receiveth, &c. This sentiment is found in the instructions which Jesus gave to his disciples in Mt 10:40. Why he repeats it at this time cannot now be known. It is certain that it is not closely connected with the subject of his conversation. Perhaps, however, it was to show how intimately united he, his Father, his apostles, and all who received them were. They who received them received him, and they who received him received God. So he who betrayed him, betrayed, for the same reason, God. Hence Judas, who was about to betray him, was also about to betray the cause of religion in the world, and to betray God and his cause.

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