What Jesus Did! 'Love and Betrayal' — John 13:23-27

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

The disciple Jesus loved was sitting next to Jesus at the table [for the "Last Supper"]. Simon Peter motioned to him to ask, "Who's he talking about [when Jesus said one of the disciples would betray him]?" So that disciple leaned over to Jesus and asked, "Lord, who is it?"

Jesus responded, "It is the one to whom I give the bread I dip in the bowl." And when he had dipped it, he gave it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot. When Judas had eaten the bread, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus told him, "Hurry and do what you're going to do."

— John 13:23-27 NLT

Key Thought

Part of me wants to shout at Jesus, "No! No! Stop him. You can stop him!" But, you see, in a sense he can't stop him. Jesus will not abuse his power to make Judas remain loyal. Jesus has warned him. Jesus has declared the truth. Judas must respond. Jesus won't trap him or overwhelm him or force him to remain loyal. Love must be offered voluntarily, or it is not love. Following must be offered willingly, or it is not discipleship. Jesus will not make us follow. He will not make us reject Satan's knock at the door of our hearts. We must choose Jesus because we have seen his love for us. Do you love Jesus enough to make that choice?

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, I cannot fathom the intricacies of grace, free will, predestination, and faith. I do understand, however, that you want my love to be a response from a heart of faith and gratitude. Better than I know myself, dear Father, you know that I offer you my heart willingly, without fear or question, because of all you have done to save me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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Illustration

Illustration of John 13:23-27 NLT — "Hurry and do what you're going to do."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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