The Towel and the Basin
Since Judas kept the money bag, some thought that Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the feast, or to give something to the poor. John 13:29 · Berean Standard Bible
The other disciples assumed Judas left to buy supplies or give money to the poor, since he was in charge of the group's finances. They had no idea where he was really going.
This shows how effectively Judas hid his intentions. His role as treasurer gave him a perfect cover story, and no one questioned his departure.
John reports what the other disciples assumed about Judas leaving.
The other disciples shrugged off Judas' departure. Maybe he's buying bread for tomorrow. Maybe he's giving to the poor. Their innocent assumptions stand in heartbreaking contrast to the truth: he was going to sell their Master for thirty pieces of silver.
The disciples offer mundane explanations for Judas' departure: purchasing supplies for the feast or giving to the poor. His role as keeper of the money bag (glossokomon) provided plausible cover.
Judas' role as treasurer (cf. John 12:6) gave him legitimate reasons to leave the group. The mention of giving to the poor suggests the Passover custom of charity (mattanot la'evyonim).
John reports the disciples' innocent assumptions about Judas' departure.
The disciples' guesses reveal how thoroughly Judas had maintained his cover. His role as the group's treasurer gave him a ready excuse for any absence. The disciples assumed he was on an errand of practical necessity or charity, never suspecting the horrific truth.
27And when Judas had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him.
28But no one at the table knew why Jesus had said this to him.
29Since Judas kept the money bag, some thought that Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the feast, or to give something to the poor.
30As soon as he had received the morsel, Judas went out into the night.
31When Judas had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him.
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.
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