John 6:71 – “He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.”

Extended Explanation

This verse clarifies who Jesus was speaking about in John 6:70 when He said, “One of you is a devil.” John, the writer of this Gospel, explains that Jesus was referring to Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would eventually betray Him.

1. Judas was one of the Twelve disciples.
   • He was personally chosen by Jesus and walked closely with Him for three years.
   • This makes his betrayal even more painful-it came from someone who had been in Jesus’ inner circle.
2. His betrayal was not yet known to the other disciples.
   • At this point, Judas had not yet made his deal with the religious leaders (Matthew 26:14-16).
   • Only Jesus knew what was in Judas’ heart, proving His divine knowledge.
3. John is writing this verse in hindsight.
   • When the events were happening, the disciples did not suspect Judas (John 13:22).
   • But later, after Judas betrayed Jesus, it became clear that Jesus had known all along.

Judas’ story is a tragic example of how someone can be near Jesus physically but still have a heart far from Him.

Historical Context

1. Judas was chosen as one of Jesus’ closest followers.
   • The Twelve were handpicked by Jesus and given the privilege of witnessing His miracles, hearing His teachings, and serving alongside Him.
   • Judas even had a position of trust-he was in charge of the group’s money (John 12:6).
2. The religious leaders were already looking for ways to arrest Jesus.
   • The Jewish leaders hated Jesus because His teachings exposed their hypocrisy.
   • They wanted to get rid of Him, but they needed an insider to help them.
   • Judas would later become that insider by offering to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16).
3. Betrayal from a close friend was considered especially shameful.
   • In Jewish culture, eating with someone was a sign of deep friendship.
   • When Judas later betrayed Jesus with a kiss, it was an act of ultimate treachery (Luke 22:47-48).

Jesus was not surprised by this betrayal-He knew it was coming and allowed it to fulfill God’s plan of salvation.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus knew who would betray Him from the beginning.
   • This proves His divine knowledge-He was not caught off guard.
   • Even though Judas walked with Jesus, his heart was never truly committed.
2. Being close to Jesus does not guarantee salvation.
   • Judas heard Jesus’ teaching, saw His miracles, and spent time with Him daily-yet he never truly believed.
   • This is a warning that outward religious activity does not equal real faith.
3. God’s plan is not stopped by human sin.
   • Judas’ betrayal led to Jesus’ crucifixion, but this was all part of God’s plan.
   • Even the worst act of treachery was used by God to bring salvation to the world (Acts 2:23).

Judas’ story is a tragic warning that it is possible to be close to Jesus outwardly but still reject Him inwardly.

Literary Analysis

1. John writes this verse as a commentary.
   • The original events took place years earlier, but John is now looking back with understanding.
   • At the time, the disciples didn’t know Judas’ true intentions, but after the betrayal, it became clear.
2. The phrase “one of the Twelve” is significant.
   • John is emphasizing the shock of Judas’ betrayal-this was not just anyone, but one of Jesus’ closest followers.
   • It highlights the depth of the betrayal.
3. This verse sets the stage for the coming betrayal.
   • Jesus had already hinted at a traitor among them in John 6:70.
   • Later, this will be fully revealed in John 13:26-30, when Judas leaves to betray Jesus.

John is helping the reader see that Jesus was never unaware of Judas’ actions-He knew, and He still went to the cross willingly.

Biblical Cross-References

• John 13:2 – The devil had already prompted Judas to betray Jesus.
• John 13:21-30 – Jesus reveals His betrayer during the Last Supper.
• Matthew 26:14-16 – Judas agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
• Psalm 41:9 – A prophecy: “Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.”
• Acts 1:16-20 – Peter speaks about Judas’ betrayal and his tragic end.

These verses show that Judas’ betrayal was prophesied, known by Jesus, and ultimately part of God’s sovereign plan.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Outward closeness to Jesus is not the same as real faith.
   • Judas was near Jesus daily but never surrendered his heart to Him.
   • Faith is more than just knowing about Jesus-it is fully trusting in Him.
2. God knows the hearts of all people.
   • Judas fooled the other disciples, but he could not fool Jesus.
   • This is a reminder that God sees our hearts, not just our outward actions (1 Samuel 16:7).
3. Even betrayal cannot stop God’s plan.
   • Judas’ actions were evil, but God used them to accomplish salvation.
   • When we face betrayal or hardship, we can trust that God is still in control.

Judas’ story is a warning to examine our hearts and make sure our faith in Jesus is real.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

1. God’s love is patient, even toward those who reject Him.
   • Jesus gave Judas many opportunities to repent, yet he chose to betray Him.
   • This shows that God does not force people to love Him-He invites, but they must respond.
2. God’s love is stronger than human betrayal.
   • Even though Judas turned against Jesus, God’s love provided a way of salvation through the cross.
   • God can take the worst situations and use them for good (Romans 8:28).
3. God’s love is available to all-but must be accepted.
   • Judas was close to Jesus, yet he rejected the love and forgiveness that was available.
   • This is a reminder that God offers His love to everyone, but we must personally receive it.

God’s love is seen even in the face of human betrayal-He never stops reaching out to people.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus knew He would be betrayed, but He willingly went to the cross.
   • He did not try to stop Judas-He embraced God’s plan for salvation.
2. Jesus understands what it feels like to be betrayed.
   • If you have ever been hurt or betrayed, Jesus knows exactly how that feels.
   • He experienced the pain of rejection from someone close to Him.
3. Jesus offers grace, even to those who reject Him.
   • Judas had every opportunity to repent and be forgiven.
   • Sadly, he chose to reject Jesus instead.

This verse is a powerful reminder that Jesus was betrayed, but He remained faithful to God’s plan to save sinners.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Judas betrayed Jesus, even after following Him for three years?
2. What does this verse teach us about God’s knowledge of our hearts?
3. How can we make sure our faith in Jesus is real, not just outward?
4. Have you ever experienced betrayal? How does Jesus’ experience bring you comfort?
5. How does this verse challenge us to examine our own relationship with Christ?