Bible Truth #362 - John 13:18

John 13:18

“I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: ‘He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.’

Jesus knows those He has chosen, so did any of the apostles have a choice? Even though Jesus did not open their minds to understand the Scriptures until AFTER His resurrection (Luke 24:45) the apostles followed Him. Why? Were they curious? They may have been. But I believe they followed Jesus because they were compelled to follow Him (Luke 14:23).

But this verse is more about Judas than the others. Let’s consider some background on him.

- He was no different than the other apostles as viewed from his actions. He was trusted, he took care of the finances of Jesus and His apostles (John 12:6). You may put someone in charge of your finances who ultimately steals from you but you don’t KNOWINGLY do that.

- Judas was a hellfire & brimstone, first century evangelist (Mark 3:14).

- He had as much spiritual power as the other 11 apostles; Jesus gave him power over unclean spirits (Mark 6:7), he cast out demons, he anointed the sick with oil and healed them (Mark 6:13), he even raised the dead (Matthew 10:8).

But does any of that make any difference? Did Judas do any of that under his own power? No, of course not. There will be many who claim they prophesied (preached) in Jesus’ Name, and in Jesus’ Name cast out demons and did many wonderful works (Matthew 7:22-23), just like Judas. But what will Jesus tell them? Will He say, “No you didn’t. You never preached in my Name.”? NO! Even though they preached in Jesus’ Name and cast out demons and did many other wonderful works, Jesus will tell them, “I never knew you: depart from me you who work iniquity.” The psalmist in Psalm 5:5 even tells us that God hates these people. No, not just the iniquity they do, but people themselves. That kind of throws cold water on the idea that God loves EVERYBODY, doesn't it?

When Jesus told the apostles, all 12 of them, that one of them would betray Him (Matthew 26:21), not one apostle thought they knew who it was. Not one apostle said:
“I think it’s Judas. I knew something was strange when he couldn’t heal anybody.” 
“Me too. I knew something was wrong when he couldn't cast out demons."
“That's right! I knew he wasn’t one of us when no one was saved under his preaching.”

No one pointed their finger at Judas. But every apostle, knowing the sovereignty of God, asked,“Is it I?” Each one hoping beyond hope that it wasn’t him. Did they understand that but for the grace of God it could have been any one of them? I believe the answer is yes.

Judas was chosen just as the other 11 apostles were chosen but when he devised his plan of betrayal, was this something he did of his own volition? I’ve heard a man of God say the worst thing God could do for any man is to leave him alone and that man, according to his nature, the nature he is conceived and born with, that man will naturally do evil and not be able in any way, shape, manner, or form please God (Romans 8:8). Not only did Herod and Pontius Pilate do what God wanted them to do (Acts 4:28), Judas did exactly what God intended him to do, he was fulfilling God’s prophesied purpose for his life (Psalm 41:9). Yes, Judas exercised his so-called “free will” but it was God working in him just as He worked in Herod and Pontius Pilate. God was turning their hearts to accomplish His will just as He turns the heart of every king (Proverbs 21:1).

Yes, Judas was chosen, but it was certainly not for salvation. Judas did what God’s determinate counsel had him to do (Acts 2:23).