John 6:70 – “Then Jesus replied, ‘Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!’”

Extended Explanation

This verse is a response from Jesus after Peter’s bold confession of faith in John 6:69, where he declared that Jesus is the Holy One of God. Jesus acknowledges that He chose the Twelve disciples, but at the same time, He makes a shocking statement—one of them is a devil.

1. Jesus personally chose the Twelve.
   • He did not randomly select His disciples—He intentionally called each one (Mark 3:13-19).
   • Even though Judas would betray Him, Jesus still included him in His inner circle for a purpose.
2. Jesus knew from the beginning that one of them would betray Him.
   • In John 6:64, Jesus already said that some of His followers did not truly believe.
   • Now, He reveals that one of His own disciples would turn against Him.
3. Calling Judas “a devil” does not mean he was possessed at that moment.
   • The Greek word diabolos (translated as “devil”) means accuser or adversary.
   • Jesus is saying that Judas was already acting in opposition to Him, even before the betrayal.

This verse is both a warning and a prophecy—Jesus knew that not all who followed Him were true disciples.

Historical Context

1. Judas Iscariot was one of Jesus’ closest followers.
   • He had been with Jesus from the beginning of His ministry.
   • He was even trusted with handling the group’s money (John 12:6).
2. Jesus had already seen people turn away.
   • Many disciples had just abandoned Him in John 6:66 because they could not accept His teachings.
   • Now, He reveals that even among the Twelve, there was one who would betray Him.
3. The betrayal of a friend was a deep act of treachery.
   • In Jewish culture, friendship and loyalty were highly valued.
   • Betraying a teacher or master was considered a terrible act of dishonor.

Jesus was fully aware that He would be betrayed, yet He still continued His mission to save the world.

Theological Implications

1. God’s sovereignty includes even human betrayal.
   • Jesus was not caught off guard by Judas’ actions—He knew what would happen.
   • Even though Judas had evil intentions, God’s plan for salvation was not hindered.
2. Not everyone who follows Jesus is truly committed.
   • Judas walked with Jesus, saw His miracles, and heard His teachings—yet he still turned away.
   • Outward religious activity does not always mean genuine faith.
3. God allows people to make choices, even bad ones.
   • Judas had the opportunity to repent and follow Jesus, but he chose to go his own way (Matthew 27:3-5).
   • God does not force people to love Him—He gives them the ability to choose.

This verse teaches that even among those who appear to follow Jesus, there are some whose hearts are far from Him.

Literary Analysis

1. Jesus’ question is rhetorical.
   • “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve?”
   • He already knows the answer—He chose them, but one of them would betray Him.
2. The contrast between Peter and Judas is striking.
   • Peter had just declared that Jesus is the Holy One of God (John 6:69).
   • Judas, on the other hand, would later betray Him.
   • This shows the difference between true and false disciples.
3. This verse foreshadows future events.
   • Judas’ betrayal is not fully revealed until John 13:21-30, but Jesus already knew it was coming.
   • This highlights Jesus’ divine knowledge—He understands people’s hearts, even before they act.

This verse serves as a warning: just because someone is close to Jesus physically does not mean they truly belong to Him spiritually.

Biblical Cross-References

• John 6:64 – Jesus knew from the beginning who would betray Him.
• John 13:2 – The devil had already prompted Judas to betray Jesus.
• John 13:21 – Jesus reveals that one of the Twelve will betray Him.
• Matthew 26:14-16 – Judas agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
• Psalm 41:9 – “Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.”

These passages confirm that Judas’ betrayal was known by Jesus long before it happened, yet it still played a part in God’s plan for salvation.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Not everyone who claims to follow Jesus is truly a disciple.
   • Some people look like followers on the outside, but their hearts are not surrendered to Christ.
   • Faith is proven by action, not just words (James 2:17).
2. God knows the hearts of all people.
   • Judas fooled the other disciples, but he could not fool Jesus.
   • This reminds us that God sees beyond appearances—He knows who truly belongs to Him.
3. Jesus was betrayed, but He remained faithful.
   • Even though Judas would betray Him, Jesus did not abandon His mission.
   • When we face betrayal or hardship, we can trust that God is still in control.

This verse is a powerful reminder that real disciples follow Jesus with their whole hearts, not just in outward appearances.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

1. God’s love allows people to choose.
   • He did not force Judas to betray Jesus—Judas made that choice.
   • Love must be freely given, not forced.
2. God’s love is not threatened by evil.
   • Even though Judas betrayed Jesus, God’s plan for salvation was not stopped.
   • God’s love overcomes even the worst acts of sin.
3. Jesus loved His disciples, even the one who would betray Him.
   • He washed Judas’ feet (John 13:5).
   • He shared a meal with him (John 13:26).
   • Even though Judas was a betrayer, Jesus still showed him kindness.

God’s love is so great that He even extended grace to the one who would betray Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus knew He would be betrayed, yet He willingly went to the cross.
   • He did not try to stop Judas—He submitted to the Father’s plan (John 18:11).
2. Jesus understands the pain of betrayal.
   • If you have ever been betrayed, Jesus knows exactly how that feels.
   • He experienced rejection, abandonment, and deep sorrow.
3. Jesus is in control, even when things look dark.
   • It may have seemed like Judas’ betrayal was ruining everything, but God was still in charge.
   • Jesus’ sacrifice brought salvation, even through an act of treachery.

This verse reminds us that Jesus is fully aware of human sin, yet He still offers love, grace, and salvation.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why did Jesus allow Judas to be part of the Twelve, knowing he would betray Him?
2. How does this verse show the difference between true and false disciples?
3. What does this verse teach about God’s knowledge of our hearts?
4. Have you ever felt betrayed? How does Jesus’ experience give you comfort?
5. How can we make sure our faith in Jesus is real, not just outward?