John 13:18
I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus clarifies that he’s not speaking about all of them; he knows who he’s chosen, meaning he knows the true disciples from the one who will betray him. The phrase "lifted up his heel" is a powerful image suggesting not just betrayal, but an act of contempt and violence against someone who has shown them great kindness. It's a deliberate, calculated strike against friendship itself, highlighting the depth of Judas's ingratitude.
Following His act of washing their feet, Jesus reveals that while He chose them, not all are truly "clean." He speaks of a betrayal foretold in Scripture, highlighting the deep ingratitude of someone who shared His table, a foreshadowing of Judas's imminent betrayal and departure.
Jesus speaks of His 'chosen' ones, but quickly distinguishes. What does it mean to be chosen by Jesus?
Jesus makes a crucial distinction here. He states, 'I know whom I have chosen.' This isn't about a general calling, but a specific selection. For Judas, being 'chosen' meant being appointed as an apostle, given authority and a place among the Twelve. However, Jesus clarifies that this office-based election was not synonymous with an election to eternal salvation or purity of heart.
Think of it like a team captain choosing players for a specific game. The captain knows who they've picked for their skills and position, but that doesn't guarantee every player will play their best game or remain on the team forever. Similarly, Jesus chose Judas for a role, fully aware of his heart's true condition and future actions. This highlights that God's sovereignty in choosing doesn't negate human responsibility.
The verse quotes an ancient psalm about betrayal. Why does Jesus connect Judas' action to this specific scripture?
Jesus quotes Psalm 41:9: 'He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.' This wasn't just any betrayal; it was a betrayal from within the closest circle of intimacy. To share bread with someone in that culture was a profound act of fellowship and trust, signifying deep friendship and a covenant of peace.
By referencing this psalm, Jesus underscores the unimaginable depth of Judas' treachery. It wasn't a random act by an outsider, but a violent betrayal by someone who had shared meals, heard His teachings, and walked alongside Him. The 'lifting of the heel' is a powerful metaphor for a sudden, unexpected, and destructive attack from someone you believed was a friend, like a horse kicking its owner. This makes the betrayal not only a violation of loyalty but a profound wound to Jesus' heart.
Jesus mentions scripture being fulfilled. How does Judas' betrayal serve a divine purpose?
Jesus is not suggesting that Judas was a puppet forced to act against his will. Instead, He is revealing the sovereign hand of God weaving through even the darkest human choices. The betrayal was foretold in Scripture, specifically Psalm 41:9, which speaks of intimate betrayal.
Understand the original words
eklegomai · Greek Verb
In the context of divine sovereignty, it refers to God's act of calling individuals into a special relationship, mission, or status, often implying a setting apart for His purposes.
graphē · Greek Noun
Refers to the holy writings of the Old Testament, regarded as the inspired, authoritative, and infallible Word of God.
plēroō · Greek Verb
The act of bringing a prophecy or divine promise to pass; the completion or realization of what God has ordained.
This verse highlights how Jesus, even in His betrayal by Judas, was fulfilling ancient prophecies. It underscores that Jesus' suffering was not a surprise to Him but part of God's foreknown plan, reminding us that even the deepest betrayals fit into a larger divine purpose.
c. 970 BC
David's Reign
King David, a man after God's own heart, experienced betrayal from close confidants, including his own son Absalom, as recounted in the Psalms. This historical event serves as a backdrop for understanding betrayal within close relationships.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33
Jesus' Ministry
Jesus, throughout His public ministry, chose twelve apostles to be His closest companions and to spread His message. One of these, Judas Iscariot, was chosen for this role but harbored a treacherous intent.
c. AD 30/33
The Last Supper Begins
During the Passover meal, Jesus washes the disciples' feet, a profound act of service, and then begins to speak about the impending betrayal among them.
c. AD 30/33— this verse
Jesus Identifies the Betrayer
Jesus, knowing the hearts of all, states that one of the Twelve will betray Him, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy and identifying Judas through a symbolic act of sharing food.
This is the direct Old Testament passage Jesus is quoting, highlighting the prophetic fulfillment of betrayal by a close friend.
Matthew 26:14-16This passage shows Judas actively seeking out the chief priests to betray Jesus, demonstrating his intent and the calculated nature of the betrayal Jesus foresees.
John 6:70-71Jesus had previously spoken of choosing the twelve apostles, yet also identified one as a 'devil.' This earlier statement reveals Jesus' awareness of Judas's true nature, even amidst His selection.
Psalm 55:12-14This psalm expresses David's anguish over betrayal by a close companion, mirroring the deep hurt Jesus experiences from Judas, a close follower who ate at His table.
barnesJohn 13:18: "I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me."
I speak not of you all - That is, in addressing you as clean, I do not mean to say that you all possess this character. I know whom I have chosen - He here means evidently to say that he had not chosen them all, implying that Judas had not been chosen. As, however, this word is applied to Judas in one place John 6:70, "Have no…
calvinJohn 13:18-20: "I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me."
- I speak not of you all; I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, He who eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. 19. I tell you this now, before it happen, that when it shall have happened, you may believe that I am. [52] 20. Verily, verily, I tell you, if I send any one. he wh…
Jesus clarifies that he’s not speaking about all of them; he knows who he’s chosen, meaning he knows the true disciples from the one who will betray him. The phrase "lifted up his heel" is a powerful image suggesting not just betrayal, but an act of contempt and violence against someone who has shown them great kindness. It's a deliberate, calculated strike against friendship itself, highlighting the depth of Judas's ingratitude.
Following His act of washing their feet, Jesus reveals that while He chose them, not all are truly "clean." He speaks of a betrayal foretold in Scripture, highlighting the deep ingratitude of someone who shared His table, a foreshadowing of Judas's imminent betrayal and departure.
Following His act of washing their feet, Jesus reveals that while He chose them, not all are truly "clean." He speaks of a betrayal foretold in Scripture, highlighting the deep ingratitude of someone who shared His table, a foreshadowing of Judas's imminent betrayal and departure.
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Jesus' purpose in pointing this out is twofold: First, to show the disciples that His suffering was not a tragic accident but part of God's unfolding plan, predicted long ago. This would strengthen their faith when they saw His crucifixion. Second, it demonstrates Jesus' divine knowledge – He knows the hearts of all, including the one who would betray Him, and He understands how His story aligns perfectly with prophetic word. The fulfillment of prophecy through Judas' wicked act underscores God's ultimate control, even in the face of human evil.
c. AD 30/33
Judas Departs
Immediately after being identified, Judas leaves the supper. The Gospel of John notes that it was night, symbolizing the spiritual darkness that had enveloped him.
c. AD 30/33
Jesus Institutes the Lord's Supper
After Judas' departure, Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper, a new covenant meal, further emphasizing the themes of sacrifice and remembrance central to His mission.
"I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’" — Jesus clarifies that he’s not speaking about all of them; he knows who he’s chosen, meaning he knows the true disciples from the one who will betray him. The phrase "lifted up his heel" is a powerful…
