Holy Wednesday devotion - John 13:21-32

Holy Wednesday

Gospel Reading: John 13:21-32.

John 13:24 Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.” (NIV)

            It was a shocking moment which disturbed all of the disciples. Jesus had just pronounced that one of the Twelve was going to betray Him. No one knew what to say or do which is very surprising. Did this mean that each of them suspected one another?

            This part of the betrayal reveals to us the human traits of all the disciples and not just Judas Iscariot. Each one of them is potentially a betrayer of Christ; all of them are astonished about what Jesus declares, and each of them feels the need to find out who the traitor actually is. This is why Peter surreptitiously asks the other disciple to discover who Jesus is talking about. Like the others, the Big Fisherman wants to know the identity of the culprit, so he can feel reassured that it is not himself.

            When we are totally honest about ourselves, we recognize that we betray Jesus each day with our ill-chosen words, broken promises, or sinful deeds. We claim Christ to be the Lord of our lives, but the way we express or display our faith to others, reveals a different story. This is what makes Holy Week so important. It’s not just a remembrance of the past; it’s a personal reflective time when we see ourselves as the different characters around Jesus in the story.

Point to ponder

Who am I in these Holy Week stories?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know us completely and are totally aware of our sinful potential. We confess to failing to meet Your standards of discipleship, devotion, and service. Enable us to see our weaknesses and help us to overcome them. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come and join us for worship on Sundays at 11:00 AM. You’ll be made very welcome.

Today’s image is one of John’s Holy Week drawings called “Cup of Salvation.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Cup.

Holy Week Short devotional: Wednesday - John 13:21-32

Bible Reading: John 13:21-32

Today’s verses:                 John 13:26

Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon.

            We've all experienced someone close to us who hurts or disappoints us. We’ve also all been in that position where we've caused injury or distrust. Human beings are not perfect and so we constantly make mistakes or lose the trust of others.

            When Judas betrayed Jesus, both of them were aware of what was going on. The other disciples may have been clueless, but both Christ and Judas knew what was happening. Jesus, however, provided Judas with a way out by letting His disciple know that He was fully aware of the betrayal. In other words, Christ still provided Judas a moment of grace and truth which he could have received. Sadly, Judas defiantly chose to betray Jesus.

How often do I disappoint God and others? What can I do to remedy this?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, forgive us when we disappoint You or betray another’s trust. Enable us to embrace Your grace and heal any brokenness in others that we have caused. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.