Friday, April 21, 2023 – John 13:1-30
“Now Jesus was deeply troubled…” (John 13:21).
How can God in the flesh be troubled?
In the opening chapter of John’s Gospel account, we read, “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never extinguish it” (John 1:5). It is a declaration of victory, but just 12 chapters later, during Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples, the tone has changed. Jesus is troubled.
Perhaps, victory and trouble are more compatible in this world than we’d like to think. Even when we celebrate, this world carries imperfections. Even when there is love, there is betrayal.
“[Jesus] exclaimed, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me!”” (John 13:21).
Jesus is the light, but the darkness lingers outside the Upper Room. His disciples frantically worry, ‘What’s happening?’ and we squirm with the same fear, ‘God isn’t supposed to die!’
Judas is identified as the betrayer. Jesus, who has loved Judas, says, “Hurry and do what you’re going to do” (John 13:27).
How strange! Jesus is troubled, but he doesn’t seem to be afraid. “Hurry,” he said! Perhaps, suffering and courage are compatible, too.
“So Judas left at once, going out into the night” (John 13:30). Into the darkness Judas ran, but the light – Jesus – doesn’t flinch from his place at the table. Victoriously and courageously, he persists through betrayal and suffering.
Are you troubled? Christ is your victor.
Are you suffering? Find your courage in him.
Are you surrounded by darkness? See his unending light.
Jesus will keep shining in the darkness, and the darkness will never extinguish him.