I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus isn't just trying to prove his omniscience here; he's showing how even betrayal serves a purpose. He's telling them, "When this unthinkable thing happens, you'll know I'm truly who I say I am because I told you beforehand, and my Father's Word is unfolding exactly as planned."
I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just finished washing His disciples' feet, a profound act of humility and love, and is about to reveal that one of them will betray Him. He’s not speaking about all of them, but identifying a specific, foreseen betrayal to fulfill Scripture, and this foreknowledge is meant to strengthen their faith in Him. He tells them this now, before the betrayal happens, so that when it does, they will know He truly is who He claims to be, the divine Messiah.
Jesus wasn't just dropping hints about the future; He was strategically building a foundation for His followers' faith.
Jesus tells the disciples about Judas's betrayal before it happens. Why? Not just to show off His knowledge, but to actively strengthen their belief in Him.
Turning Foresight into Faith
When one of the inner circle falters, why don't the others completely fall apart? Jesus points to something deeper than human loyalty.
Jesus acknowledges that not all of the twelve are chosen for a true, saving relationship with Him, even though they were chosen for a specific task (like Judas).
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The Certainty of God's Choice
Understand the original words
egō eimi · Greek Pronoun/Verb
A title of divinity used by Jesus, echoing the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14 (Yahweh). It signifies His pre-existence, deity, and identity as the promised Messiah.
Jesus' prediction of Judas's betrayal wasn't just about revealing a traitor; it was a strategic move to strengthen his disciples' faith by showing his divine foreknowledge and the fulfillment of Scripture.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus' Ministry and the Twelve Apostles
Jesus chose twelve apostles, including Judas Iscariot, to be his closest followers and to help spread his message. This period was marked by Jesus' teaching, miracles, and growing opposition from religious authorities.
c. 30 AD— this verse
The Last Supper
During Jesus' final Passover meal with his disciples, he revealed that one of them would betray him. This event deeply troubled the disciples, highlighting the tension and sorrow of that evening.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Arrest
Judas Iscariot led temple guards to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, betraying him with a kiss. This marked the beginning of Jesus' passion and crucifixion.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus was crucified and then resurrected three days later, fulfilling prophecies and solidifying the faith of his followers.
c. 30 AD onwards
The Apostolic Ministry
Following Jesus' resurrection and ascension, the apostles, now empowered by the Holy Spirit, preached the gospel and established the early church. The foreknowledge and fulfillment of Jesus' predictions served as a confirmation of their faith.
Jesus explicitly states He is telling them these things beforehand 'so that when they come to pass you may believe,' directly paralleling the purpose of His prophecy in John 13:19.
Matthew 26:24This passage shows Jesus acknowledging that betrayal is foretold in Scripture, reinforcing the idea from John 13:19 that future events would confirm His identity and divine knowledge.
John 8:58Jesus' powerful declaration 'Before Abraham was, I am' in this verse highlights His divine self-awareness and eternal nature, a truth His foreknowledge and the fulfillment of prophecy in John 13:19 would help His disciples grasp.
Isaiah 46:9-10This Old Testament passage emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and foreknowledge, declaring His plans from the beginning and stating 'I am God, and there is no other... I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done,' which directly supports the significance of Jesus' foreknowledge in John 13:19.
barnesJohn 13:19: "Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he."
Now I tell you before it come ... - They would see by that that he had a knowledge of the heart and the power of foretelling future events, and must therefore have been sent by God. This does not imply that they had no faith before this, but that their faith would be increased and strengthened by it.
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 isn't just trying to prove his omniscience here; he's showing how even betrayal serves a purpose. He's telling them, "When this unthinkable thing happens, you'll know I'm truly who I say I am because I told you beforehand, and my Father's Word is unfolding exactly as planned."
Jesus has just finished washing His disciples' feet, a profound act of humility and love, and is about to reveal that one of them will betray Him. He’s not speaking about all of them, but identifying a specific, foreseen betrayal to fulfill Scripture, and this foreknowledge is meant to strengthen their faith in Him. He tells them this now, before the betrayal happens, so that when it does, they will know He truly is who He claims to be, the divine Messiah.
Jesus has just finished washing His disciples' feet, a profound act of humility and love, and is about to reveal that one of them will betray Him. He’s not speaking about all of them, but identifying a specific, foreseen betrayal to fulfill Scripture, and this foreknowledge is meant to strengthen their faith in Him. He tells them this now, before the betrayal happens, so that when it does, they will know He truly is who He claims to be, the divine Messiah.
"I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he." — Jesus isn't just trying to prove his omniscience here; he's showing how even betrayal serves a purpose. He's telling them, "When this unthinkable thing happens, you'll know I'm truly who I say I am b…
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Last reviewed October 2026