John 13: 21 After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me.”

Most of us know that Judas betrayed Jesus and we sometimes think: “How could he, after having known Jesus personally for so long?” Well, let us get up and go look in the mirror. Despite our relationship with the Lord, every so often we come up against something that tempts us and we think for a moment but still end up making the wrong decision.

Like you, I have read this account in John 13 where Jesus predicted that one of his disciples would betray him but the focus always seems to be on Judas and about the reaction of the other disciples to Jesus’ pronouncement. Everyone was in disbelief and curious to know who they should point the finger at. However, Jesus knew why he came to earth and we know that he knew everything the Scriptures had said about him. So in response to everyone’s curiosity, he prefaced his prediction with: “But this is to fulfill the scripture: he who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.” (Verse 18) So what was about to happen was no surprise to Jesus.

That said, just this once, could we consider Jesus? It is striking to me the effect sharing this information with his disciples had on him. “After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in his spirit and testified, “I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me.” It disturbed Jesus that a disciple whom he had loved and taught was about to do something which would separate him from his Lord for time and eternity.

Friend, have you counted the cost of your next move? Is it something that could be fatal for your future and your relationship with your Lord? How can it possibly be worth it? Do change your mind before it is too late. Look at your situation through the lens of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness: “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Hebrews 2:18). He overcame and so can you.