John 13:18-32

            We have seen that humility is based in confidence that God’s will is being worked out and that we are in that will.  Thus Jesus washed the disciple’s feet.  That same humility is seen passively in this passage.  Jesus does nothing to hinder Judas from his Satanic work, though He is fully aware of the nature and goal of that work.
          We are usually convinced that any bad thing in our lives must be removed.  Our constant prayers for health and prosperity reflect this.  Our fleeing from situations that may involve persecution do as well.  But the teaching of Scripture is that God’s will involves pain (1 Peter 3:17; 4:19).  Often, growth in holiness and preaching the gospel flourish in times of trial.
          Thus Jesus is confident of His Father’s plan.  Judas’ betrayal was prophesied in the Old Testament (v18 quotes Psalm 41:9) and predicted by Christ Himself (v21).  It is evidence of His Messiahship (v19-20).  The disciples are perplexed because, like us, it is strange that the Messiah would know of and permit His betrayal (v22).
          Let us not miss what it means for this terrible act of wickedness to be the will of Almighty God.  It does not remove the wicked one himself, Satan, from involvement: he had planted the idea in the heart of Judas (v2) and then took possession of the willing sinner (v27).
          Nor does it relieve Judas of responsibility.  He is the one Jesus names son of perdition (John 17:12).  He had a history of perversion.  While in the presence of the wonderful, miracle-working Teacher he had never come to know Him as Lord.  He stole from the money kept for their needs (John 12:6).  He resented the devotion of Mary who gave her all to the Savior (John 12:5).  His amazing hypocrisy simply reveals a soul open to the suggestion of sin and willing to relinquish all control to the Devil himself.
          Thus we see Christ humbly and even quietly bidding Judas to do his work (v27).  Such submission to the Father and His plan is beyond imagination.  But note the confidence in v31-32:  as soon as Judas left Jesus spoke for the first time of His glory.  There is no panic.  There is confidence in God.
          We cannot see the working out of His will in and through us unless we are willing to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God (1 Peter 5:6).  The wonderful promise of Romans 8:28 (God works all things for good for those who love Him) is true, even in the face of betrayal.