Radical Love

John 13:21–22

[21] After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” [22] The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. (ESV)

The story of the Last Supper is a story of Jesus’ love, even for the person who was soon to betray him. Jesus made every effort to give Judas the opportunity to repent and turn to him. These quotes are from Preaching the Word Commentary - John:

All the disciples could see his emotion, but they did not know it was because of Judas. Here is demonstrated one of the most remarkable truths about our Lord’s heart. On the eve of the cross, just a few hours before he was going to be crucified, our Lord’s heart was troubled, not for himself, but for another—and specifically for the one who was going to deliver him to death.

The upper room was charged with our Lord reaching out to Judas. When he washed the disciples’ feet, he washed Judas’ feet too. Imagine that! He told Peter as he washed his feet, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you” (13:10). “Judas, old friend,” Jesus was saying, “you’re not clean.” He was appealing to Judas’ conscience, giving him reason to reflect and repent. Can you imagine what it was like when the Lord washed Judas’ feet, when those piercing eyes of Jesus met the hollow eyes of Judas? Jesus was reaching out to him. When the Savior quoted Psalm 41:9 about Ahithophel, he was again saying, “Judas, old friend, I have your number. Why do you not turn around?”

Even the way the table was arranged demonstrated Jesus’ love. The seating arrangement (from left to right) was Judas, Jesus, and John. Jesus’ head was at Judas’ breast as they reclined together. John’s head was at Jesus’ breast. Jesus had given Judas the left-hand side, the place of honor. Evidently when he brought him into the meal he said, “Judas, I want to have a talk with you. Sit in the place of honor to my left tonight.” Our Lord was reaching for his heart. Is that not just like Jesus?3

In the culture of that time, to take a morsel from the table, dip it in the common dish, and offer it to someone else was a gesture of special friendship. Back in the Old Testament we read of Boaz inviting Ruth to come fellowship with him: “‘Come here and eat some bread and dip your morsel in the wine.’ . . . he passed to her roasted grain” (Ruth 2:14).

Jesus was reaching out to Judas. He was saying, “Judas, here is my friendship. Here is restoration. Judas, here is my heart. All you have to do is take it, old friend. Will you?” But the door had slammed shut. Judas, as Matthew records, replied, “Is it I, Rabbi?” Jesus responded: “You have said so”.