The Gospel of John: John 13.27-38

Read and meditate on John 13.27.
This one verse illustrates the sovereign power of Jesus Christ over all the circumstances and players leading up to His being glorified. Let’s take a closer look.

                           ²⁷And when this was done,
and Judas had received from Him the bread,
then Satan entered him, and Jesus said
to him, “Do quickly what you do.”

- John 13.27

Reflect
1.  What happened immediately after Jesus gave the bread dipped in wine to Judas? Why didn’t this happen earlier? Meditate on Matthew 12.22-29. What does it mean that Jesus has “bound” Satan? How can you see this here? What does this suggest about the power Satan possesses? Complete this prayer: Lord, I know the devil is dangerous, but I also know that he…

2.  The second him in verse 27 is, I believe, deliberately vague. One of two referents could be indicated. Explain. These two are essentially one him, and Jesus commands them both, both as to what to do and how to do it. Is what they are going to do an evil thing or a good thing? Explain, and as you do, keep in mind the sovereignty of Jesus in this situation. Lord, whenever I sin, it’s always wrong, and evil; but You can bring good of my sin by…

3.  Meditate on Job 1.9-12 and 2.3-6. Do you see any similarities here with what John reports in John 13.27? How would you describe the relationship between God (and Jesus) and Satan? We must be wary of Satan (1 Peter 5.8), but do we need to fear him? Why not? Lord, give me the strength always to resist the devil by…

4.  God can use even the evil intentions and works of the devil and wicked men to glorify Himself. How can what we see in John 13.27 help us to think about the relationship between God, evil, and good? Is evil real? Is God responsible for it? Is evil final or ultimate? Why not? Lord, You overcome evil with good. You do all things well, and cause all things – including bad things – to work together for our good. Therefore, when evil happens…

5.  Is there any doubt who’s in charge in this situation? Who’s calling the shots? Directing the timing? And keeping the end (v. 31) in sight? Explain. What counsel is there for us in this when it comes to our daily lives? Bring together into one the prayers you composed for questions 1-4.

Summary
“Our Lord Jesus the Christ may now appear to be addressing Satan himself rather than the disciple who by careless infatuation had fallen into Satan’s power.… It is as though Jesus is saying, ‘That work of yours, O Satan, which you alone know and which is ever dear to you, see that you do it quickly.… I have come to overthrow the sovereignty of sin that you have brought to power and to make clear to everyone the one who is truly God by nature. But I know full well your implacable temper. The harm you desire to inflict on all who wish to accomplish works like I have come to do is what you inflict on me now. But you will cause me no more grief by being swift to attack and quick in your assault, even though you will inflict great pain on me at first.’ … Jesus’ words are not so much an exhortation as a threat to his enemy. It is as though some handsome youth in early manhood, his heart swelling with fresh vigor at the sight of an opponent running at full speed to attack him, were to pick up a sharp battle axe in his right hand, and in full knowledge that his enemy will no sooner reach him than die, were to call out, ‘What you are going to do, do it quickly, for you will feel the force of my right arm.’ And surely this would not be the cry of one who is eager to die but rather the cry of one who knows certainly that he will be victorious and will prevail over the one who wishes to hurt him.” Cyril of Alexandria (375-444 AD)

Evil exists, and wickedness and sin are its handmaidens. But in Jesus, we need not fear evil nor the evil one, because He has overthrown and bound the devil, so that we may overcome evil with good by looking to Jesus and trusting in Him. How should knowing who’s in charge embolden us in our walk with and work for the Lord?

Closing Prayer
I waited patiently for the LORD;
And He inclined to me,
And heard my cry.
He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps.
He has put a new song in my mouth—
Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear,
And will trust in the Lord.
Blessed is that man who makes the LORDhis trust,
And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works
Which You have done;
And Your thoughts toward us
Cannot be recounted to You in order;
If I would declare and speak of them,
They are more than can be numbered.
Sacrifice and offering You did not desire;
My ears You have opened.
Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require.
Then I said, “Behold, I come;
In the scroll of the book it is written of me.
I delight to do Your will, O my God,
And Your law is within my heart.”

Psalm 40.1-8

Psalm 40.1-8 (Dix: For the Beauty of the Earth)
I waited patiently for God; He inclined and heard my cry,
Lifted me up above the sod, set me on a Rock on high!
New songs in my mouth He gave; may He through me many save.

Blessed are all who trust in You, turning both from lies and pride.
Countless wonders, Lord, You do, and Your thoughts with us abide.
Lord, Your worth who can declare?  None with You can e’er compare.

Off’rings You do not require – open now my ears, O Lord –
What from me do You desire?  Firm delight to do Your Word.
Take my life in ev’ry part; write Your Law upon my heart.

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series IV a and b: John, edited by Joel C. Elowsky, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006. Verse translation of John by T. M. Moore.