John 13:2

John 13:2, in plain English

As the meal begins, the devil has already put betrayal into Judas' heart. Even in this intimate setting, evil is at work, but Jesus is fully aware.

Why it's here

This detail is haunting. While the other disciples are sharing a meal with their Teacher, Judas is harboring a secret that will change everything. And Jesus, who knows all of it, still serves him.

Who's speaking

John reveals the dark spiritual backdrop to the supper scene.

Where it sits in the story

The room is filled with friends sharing a meal, but underneath the surface, something sinister is brewing. Judas has already made his decision. And Jesus, who can see into every heart, will kneel down and wash the betrayer's feet anyway.

The scholarly reading

John notes that the devil (diabolos) had already placed the intention to betray Jesus into Judas' heart. The verb 'put into' (beblēkotos) indicates a process already underway, not a sudden impulse.

Language and setting

John's reference to the devil's activity alongside Judas' agency reflects the Gospel's cosmic conflict between light and darkness. Judas is both morally responsible and spiritually infiltrated.

Voice

John provides narrative background, identifying the spiritual force behind Judas' coming betrayal.

Significance

Even as the evening meal begins in apparent normalcy, a dark plot is already in motion. The devil has planted the seed of betrayal in Judas' heart, and it has taken root. Jesus knows this, yet He proceeds to wash the feet of all His disciples, including Judas.

1It was now just before the Passover Feast, and Jesus knew that His hour had come to leave this world and return to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the very end.

2The evening meal was underway, and the devil had already put into the heart of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.

3Jesus knew that the Father had delivered all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was returning to God.

4So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist.

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.