Continue to imagine yourself secluded in the corner shadows of the Upper Room observing Jesus and the disciples as they share the Passover Meal.  It is Thursday…the evening before the crucifixion.  Supper is done.  Jesus has just completed washing the feet of each of His twelve disciples. 

In the lessons leading to Resurrection Sunday 2022, we will remain in the Upper Room.  We will walk through the gospel record of John as he describes these final precious moments with the Savior on His way to Calvary.  Pay special attention to the fact that these spoken words are printed in blood red ink from John 13-John 17.

 Verse 12 of John chapter 13 tells us that Jesus has now returned to recline around the table.  He has spent the last relatively quiet minutes showing the disciples how to improve their serve.  Basin.  Water.  Wash.  Rinse.  Towel dry.  Repeat times twelve. The One whose feet will soon be nailed to a cruel cross has washed 24 feet, two of which belong to Judas Iscariot, His betrayer. 

 Jesus did NOT recline in order to say, “Now, fellows, it’s time for YOU to wash MY feet!”  His point as Master and Teacher was for them to find other feet to wash…other people to serve…other ways to show their loyalty to Him and His plan for their future ministry strategy. 

 Jesus said, “Do you know (realize with understanding) what I have done to you?”  Notice, there was NO verbal response from the twelve.  They were obviously rendered speechless by His humility.  In verse 17, Jesus describes exactly how people feel after they serve:  they soon realize that, in return, they have been blessed, even as they have sought to be a blessing to others.   The economy of God is amazing where blessings are concerned.  The return blessing is never the motive for service but it is certainly a delightful bonus. 

 As we look at “loyalty” in our lesson title, we are given a reverse example to ponder.  Through the decision and act of Judas Iscariot, we see the direct result of the lack of loyalty.  Verse 21 indicates Jesus is troubled in His spirit.  He announces to the disciples one of them will betray Him to the authorities.  

Momentarily, Jesus was planning to provide Judas with the “Cain” option.  In Genesis 4, God knew the mind, heart and plan of Cain—he fully planned to destroy his brother Abel.  God came to Cain and gave him an open opportunity to change his mind and repent of his destructive thoughts before the doing of the deed.  Tragically, Cain plowed right ahead. 

Verse 27 shows us the moment that Judas surely realized that Jesus was aware of his plans.  With a mouthful of the tasty morsel of food soaked in “gravy” received directly from the hand of Jesus and two clean feet washed by the Master, Judas left the room and disappeared into the night.

To dip a morsel in the “sop” on the table and share it with someone indicated relationship, friendship and kindness.  When Jesus offered that bite of food to Judas, He was offering loving concern coupled with one final opportunity to make a choice of loyalty rather than betrayal.  Logistically, Judas and Jesus must have been side by side reclining at the table. 

John writes that Satan entered into Judas.  Satan can never “invade” a life.  He can only enter after receiving an invitation in the form of one giving in to temptation.  Satan quickly and gleefully snaps up any territory that has been willingly relinquished.  Just as Judas opened his mouth and received the dipped morsel, he also opened his heart wide to make a path for Satan to enter his mind and guide his steps.  His decision would clear the way for the feet of Jesus to scale the Hill of Golgotha. 

The eleven disciples have now heard about a betrayal.  Next they hear Jesus is going away.  Next they hear that Peter will deny even knowing Jesus.  They are about to be provided with three chapters of amazing comfort and peace for the next leg of their walk with Jesus.