As Jesus ended his mini discourse with his disciples, he became very troubled in his spirit. Often, when folks come to realize they’ve been betrayed or their love for another had been abused, they become angry and lash out at the guilty one, but not so, Jesus. He simply grieved over the fact that Judas would do such a thing. Like grieving over the passing of a loved one, although you knew it would occur and were prepared for it, you still grieve over the loss. Then Jesus told his disciples for the third time that one of them would betray him (John 13:21). There were several tables in the upper room, and Jesus disciples sat at each one, but during the meal Jesus revealed that it would be one of the Twelve, who sat at his table, who would betray him (Mark 14:20). Each one had already taken his turn, asking if he were the betrayer, but Jesus replied only that it was one who dipped with him in the dish (Mark 14:19-20).
When Jesus mentioned the betrayal the second time during the meal (Luke 22:21-23), the disciples discussed it among themselves, wondering who it might be, but that ended only in accusations and arrogant displays of loyalty, which stopped only when they were shamed by the Lord as he washed their feet. This third time occurred after the meal was done. None of the former things were done, but each of the disciples looked at one another, not knowing of whom Jesus spoke (John 13:22).
It was then that Peter signaled to the disciple whom Jesus loved, the author of this Gospel narrative, beckoning him to ask Jesus about the identity of the traitor. This disciple had a unique opportunity to speak with Jesus privately at the table.[1] The tables were shaped in the form of the letter “U” whereby Jesus would have reclined at the bottom of the table, which was considered to be the prominent place, and the two on either side of Jesus were the most honored of the guests. Each man reclined on a cushion or couch. Those on Jesus left would lean on their left arm and those to the right would lean on their right, so that all would be facing Jesus. Eating was done with one’s free hand. The servers would enter at the top of the table at the opening and serve the guests, taking away dishes that were empty and adding what was necessary. The person to Jesus’ right was the most honored of the two nearest Jesus, and that position was occupied by the disciple whom Jesus loved. Ordinarily, during the meal his back was toward Jesus. When they spoke, that disciple would turn to Jesus by leaning backwards and resting his head on Jesus’ breast. In this manner they could speak privately without anyone else at the table knowing what was said.[2] Therefore, when Peter beckoned to this disciple to ask Jesus of the identity of the betrayer, he simply leaned back to speak with Jesus, privately (John 13:23-25).
When he did, Jesus told him: it is he to whom I shall give the sop (John 12:26). The sop was a morsel of unleavened bread, which, in lieu of modern table utensils, was dipped into a common bowl of bitter herbs and then eaten. For Jesus to dip the sop in the dish and offer it to Judas, it would be necessary for him to lean on Judas’ breast. When he did, the disciple whom Jesus loved knew who the betrayer was. What seems odd, at least at first, is that it doesn’t appear as though he told Peter. Why would that be?
I believe the answer to that question is one of two possibilities. We are told that Judas was Simon’s son (John 12:4; 13:2). There are two Apostles named Simon, Peter and Simon the zealot. If Judas was Peter’s son, obviously the other disciple wouldn’t want to tell him such a dreadful thing. On the other hand, if Judas is the son of Simon the zealot (my choice of the two, according to how I’ve identified the disciples in other studies), Judas was the nephew of the disciple whom Jesus loved. He would have been shocked and probably would want to fully take in such news before telling others.
Immediately, the text tells us that Satan entered Judas (John 13:27), but what does this mean, Satan entered him? I believe Judas’ earlier discussion with Jesus, when Jesus revealed to him that he knew he was the betrayer (Matthew 26:25), Judas knew that Jesus understood he will be betrayed, unless he complied with the wishes of the zealots. So, Judas hoped he didn’t have to turn Jesus over to the Jewish authorities. Nevertheless, when Jesus offered Judas the sop and told him to carry out his intended plot, Judas knew it was time to do the deed or forget it. He chose to betray Jesus, and now there’d be no turning back. We’ve all seen such a facial expression, when one discovers he must put up or shut up, as the modern expression goes. It is almost like a shadow passes over one’s face. It occurs when one finally realizes, if he is to do the thing at all, it must be done now! Nevertheless, no one knew why Jesus sent him away, perhaps to buy what was necessary for the meal the following evening, but after receiving the sop, Judas left the room, leaving the Light behind, he entered the night (John 13:28-30).
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[1] See my earlier study in this chapter: The Trickery of Judas!
[2] See my earlier study: Another Banquet Held in Jesus’ Honor.
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