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John 13:21-30, CSB‍

21 When Jesus had said this, he was troubled in his spirit and testified, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”

22 The disciples started looking at one another—uncertain which one he was speaking about. 23 One of his disciples, the one Jesus loved, was reclining close beside Jesus. 24 Simon Peter motioned to him to find out who it was he was talking about. 25 So he leaned back against Jesus and asked him, “Lord, who is it?”

26 Jesus replied, “He’s the one I give the piece of bread to after I have dipped it.” When he had dipped the bread, he gave it to Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son. 27 After Judas ate the piece of bread, Satan entered him. So Jesus told him, “What you’re doing, do quickly.”

28 None of those reclining at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Since Judas kept the money-bag, some thought that Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the festival,” or that he should give something to the poor. 30 After receiving the piece of bread, he immediately left. And it was night.

Some key statements and questions put forward that are important for us to talk about…‍

“Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”

• Why do you think Jesus would invite a betrayer into his inner circle? Why is it important to see Jesus as someone who has a spot at the table for all us?

The disciples started looking at one another—uncertain which one he was speaking about.

• Judas wasn't an obvious pick to betray Jesus. What does this reveal about being in the right place at the right time with the wrong heart? Have you ever betrayed Jesus in this way, playing the role but harboring unbelief in your heart?

After receiving the piece of bread, he immediately left. And it was night.

• Judas took the bread that Jesus offered to him and left that night to betray Jesus. Why is it significant that Jesus offered Judas bread instead of singling him out in front of everyone? Does the idea of receiving something from Jesus without honoring him in response resonate? Do you believe Judas could have chosen a different response?

Next Steps: Hard Questions

"Jesus knows what betrayal feels like." Have you been betrayed by a very close friend of family member? Or have you ever betrayed a close friend of family member? What did you learn about Jesus in that wake of that experience?

"Judas looked and sounded authentic but he wasn't." How often do you ask God to search your heart for evidences of authentic faith in him? What does he reveal? How would you describe what an authentic faith in Jesus looks like?

"When evil is playing checkers, Jesus is playing chess." Evil makes obvious moves in this world, Jesus makes strategic ones to bring about good. Do you choose to praise him in the midst of the dark night? What do those sacrifices of praise look like?

Last Thing: Be Vulnerable

Jesus is the Lord of the night. When the enemy is at work against us, God is harder at work for us. In what ways have you failed to lay down your fears at the foot of the cross? What things of "the night" are you assigning more power to than Jesus? If you would like to hand over everything to Jesus in response to his kindness, please let us know by signing up for a digital baptism this upcoming Easter Sunday.