Daily Devotions
John
Some lessons were difficult to comprehend
Text: John 13 : 21 - 38
SOME LESSONS WERE DIFFICULT TO COMPREHEND
The Disciples did not find it easy to fully comprehend what Jesus sought to teach them on a number of subjects. John admitted to this lack of comprehension on the part of His Disciples in the writing of his Gospel. Let us consider the following text.
“His disciples did not understand these things at first;
but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered
that these things were written about Him and that
they had done these things to Him.”
John 12:16
The context was the triumphal entry of Jesus. The crowds had gathered in the streets shouting “Hosanna”. The Disciples themselves had joined in the shouts of acclamation. Yet, in all honesty, John admitted that full comprehension did not come till after the Resurrection of Jesus.
Jesus understood their lack of comprehension. There were certain truths that were very deep and they would not be easily comprehended immediately. The matter of the washing of the feet of the Disciples was another thing that was not easily comprehended.
“Jesus answered and said to him,
‘What I am doing you do not understand now,
but you will know after this.'”
John 13:7
THE QUESTION OF THE BETRAYER
Jesus knew from the very outset that Judas would betray Him. He sought to deepen the understanding of the Disciples so that they would become sharper in their comprehension of people around them. Let us consider how Jesus sought to teach His Disciples on this subject.
After Jesus fed the 5000, He spoke to them about an even more important truth that they must consider. He presented Himself as “The Bread which came down from heaven”
(John 6:41). Let us recall what happened as the multitudes heard what Jesus said.
“Therefore many of His disciples when they heard this, said,
‘This is a hard saying; who can understand it?’
When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples
complained about this, He said to them,
‘Does this offend you? What then if you should see
the Son of Man ascend where He was before?
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing.
The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
But there are some of you who do not believe.’
For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were
who did not believe, and who would betray Him.”
John 6:60-64
The multitudes who saw themselves as “disciples” melted away because they could not fully understand the deep spiritual truths that Jesus taught. John noted this sad fact.
“From that time many of His disciples went back
and walked with Him no more.”
John 6:66
The departure of the multitudes was so sharp and obvious; Jesus asked the Twelve if they too were also going to leave Him. Peter replied and said on behalf of the Disciples.
“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.
Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ,
the Son of the living God.”
John 6:68
To this word of Peter, Jesus replied.
“Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?’
He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon,
for it was he who would betray Him,
being one of the twelve.”
John 6:70-71
THE BAFFLING LACK OF INSIGHT
This lack of comprehension concerning the identity of the betrayer was most complete and truly baffling. Jesus spoke to The Twelve after He washed their feet that He knew perfectly well that one of them would betray Him.
“He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me”
John 13:18
At the Last Supper with His Disciples, Jesus once again brought up this subject and said with a deep sense of sorrow.
“When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit,
and testified and said, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you,
one of you will betray Me.’
Then the Disciples looked at one another, perplexed
about whom He spoke.”
John 13:21-22
There was no comprehension on the part of the Disciples concerning the identity of the betrayer. The Disciples of course understood the hatred of the Jews. That was obvious. But when it came to the thought that one of the Twelve could actually betray Jesus, the Disciples could not comprehend what Jesus said! How could this be possible?