Verse: John 13:18
“I am not saying these things to all of you; I know the ones I have chosen. But this fulfills the Scripture that says, ‘The one who eats my food has turned against me.’

Series: “Things Jesus Said” from the book of John

Devotion
Jesus has just finished washing His disciples feet. It was an incredible act of humility and selfless service.  He instructs them to wash each other’s feet and in turn they will be blessed by God.  And then he seems to single someone out. We know that he is speaking of Judas, but at this point the disciples are unaware.

We see the disciples sitting around the table, looking at each other, and wondering who Jesus is talking about. They are probably passing judgement, which they have been known to do.

Jesus knows what will happen that evening. He knows each of them. He chose each of them. Judas was chosen to be a disciple with the full knowledge that he would later turn and betray him.

When we look at Judas we can see he is consumed with greed. He steals from the money bag and complains when Mary uses her priceless perfume on Jesus’ feet. He betrays Jesus for silver. But Jesus calls him friend when he quotes Psalm 41:9. In the King James Version it says: “Yea, mine own familiar friend in whom I trusted, that ate of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.” The very heel of the foot Jesus had just washed would be lifted against him. What radical love in the face of murderous betrayal.

Just as He chose Judas he chose all of us as sons and daughters knowing full well the darkness of our hearts, knowing every sin we would ever commit. In Romans 3:23-24 it says: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Not only did Jesus choose Judas as a disciple…He chose to die for Judas as well. He humbled himself to the point of death on a cross to wash us clean. His grace is for all who will receive it!

Just as we have received his radical forgiveness let us extend it to those who have hurt us. Maybe someone we used to call friend, who we shared meals with. Let us release anyone we harbor bitterness towards. I can’t think of a better present to give this Christmas. By forgiving we honor his sacrifice and remember the reason why Jesus came.

Prayer
Jesus thank you for calling us friends! For allowing us to sit and eat at your table. Thank you for washing us clean. Help us forgive others as you forgave us. “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24
Amen

Author: Michela Brownell