John 13:18

John 13:18, in plain English

Jesus says He is not talking about all of them. He knows who He chose, and He knows that one of them will betray Him, just as Scripture predicted.

Why it's here

The Scripture Jesus quotes is about being betrayed by someone close, someone who shared your table. The intimacy of the betrayal makes it all the more painful.

Who's speaking

Jesus speaks with full knowledge of what Judas will do, connecting it to an Old Testament prophecy.

Where it sits in the story

Even in this moment of teaching about love and service, the shadow of betrayal hangs over the room. Jesus knows who will turn against Him, and He knows it was written about centuries ago. The pain of being betrayed by a friend is one of the deepest sorrows.

The scholarly reading

Jesus clarifies that the beatitude does not apply to all twelve. He knows whom He has chosen, and Judas' betrayal fulfills Psalm 41:9 (LXX 40:10): the one who shared His bread has 'lifted up his heel' against Him.

Language and setting

The Psalm 41 citation describes the betrayal by a close companion. The 'lifting of the heel' may evoke the image of a horse about to kick, symbolizing violent treachery from an intimate friend.

Voice

Jesus speaks with foreknowledge of Judas' betrayal, citing Scripture to show it was anticipated.

Significance

Jesus exempts Judas from the blessing, noting that the betrayal was foreseen in Scripture. The intimacy of shared bread makes the betrayal all the more cutting: it is a friend, not an enemy, who turns against Him. Even this treachery is within God's sovereign plan.

16Truly, truly, I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.

17If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

18I am not speaking about all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the Scripture: ‘The one who shares My bread has lifted up his heel against Me.’

19I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it comes to pass, you will believe that I am He.

20Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever receives the one I send receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives the One who sent Me.”

Read all of John 13 — Hours before His death, Jesus wraps a towel around His waist and washes His disciples' feet. Then He gives them a new command.