“Some thought that, because Judas had the money box, Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the Feast, or to give something to the poor. As soon as Judas took the piece of bread, he went out immediately. Now it was night.” —John 13:29–30
The hour had arrived when darkness reigned. Judas had perhaps deceived some of his peers, but he had in no way fooled the Lord Jesus. Jesus was not taken by surprise—He never is. We find this confirmed in Luke when Jesus responds to those who came to arrest Him:
“Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come out to get him, ‘Have you come out with swords and clubs like you would against an outlaw?’” —Luke 22:52–53
Make no mistake about it; darkness reigned because darkness was permitted to reign. God is the only one with ultimate, full, and complete power—Satan must answer to Him. Recall the story of blameless Job. The adversary could do nothing more to Job than God allowed:
“So the LORD said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and turns away from evil.’ Satan answered the LORD, ‘Is it for nothing that Job fears God? Have you not made a hedge around him and his household and all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his livestock have increased in the land. But extend your hand and strike everything he has, and he will no doubt curse you to your face!’ So the LORD said to Satan, ‘All right then, everything he has is in your power. Only do not extend your hand against the man himself!’ So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.” —Job 1:8–12
Again Satan asks permission to attack Job and God once again places certain restrictions upon him:
“Again the day came when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also arrived among them to present himself before the LORD. And the LORD said to Satan, ‘Where do you come from?’ Satan answered the LORD, ‘From roving about on the earth, and from walking back and forth across it.’ Then the LORD said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a pure and upright man, one who fears God and turns away from evil. And he still holds firmly to his integrity, so that you stirred me up to destroy him without reason.’ But Satan answered the LORD, ‘Skin for skin! Indeed, a man will give up all that he has to save his life! But extend your hand and strike his bone and his flesh, and he will no doubt curse you to your face!’ So the LORD said to Satan, ‘All right, he is in your power; only preserve his life.’” —Job 2:1–6
After Jesus’ death and resurrection Peter addresses the crowds with the following truth:
“Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man clearly attested to you by God with powerful deeds, wonders, and miraculous signs that God performed among you through him, just as you yourselves know—this man, who was handed over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you executed by nailing him to a cross at the hands of Gentiles. But God raised him up, having released him from the pains of death, because it was not possible for him to be held in its power.” —Acts 2:22–24
In our verses for today, we are told that because Judas was in charge of the group’s money, some of the disciples assumed the high road regarding his actions—not even questioning his abrupt departure—they trusted him. They were surely fooled and soon to be sorely disappointed. Nothing hurts worse than a betrayal by a friend or family member or loved one. Second-guessing one of their own would not have entered their minds. They were supposed to be like-minded brothers—treating one another lovingly and selflessly—following closely in their Master’s footsteps.
Become More
While the disciples had no reason to question Judas, Jesus knew fully was all of his motives, yet treated him no differently.
Jesus is never taken by surprise. Satan has boundaries—God does not. Always keep your trust in God alone!
Further Reflection
“But God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” —Romans 5:8