John 16

John 16:1

Completely Clean, but Not All of Them

When the Lord has told him this, Peter falls into the other extreme. He wants the Lord not only to wash his feet, but also his hands and his head. But that is not what is meant either. The Lord responds to Peter’s exaggerated reaction by giving further important teaching, as He always does after statements or reactions that demonstrate how much His words are misunderstood. He is a Teacher full of patience.

He declares to Peter – and to us! – that there are two forms of washing. There is a one-time washing of the whole body. This is what happened during our conversion (1 Corinthians 6:11; Titus 3:5). It is the one-time spiritual renewal through the Word and the working of the Spirit that is not repeated (John 3:3-6). It is the receiving of new life through which we have become children of God. Who once is a child of God, cannot become a child of God a second time. After that it is necessary to wash the feet regularly. This regular washing also takes place through the Word (Psalms 119:9).

We have a picture of both forms of washing in what happened to the priests in the Old Testament. When a son of Aaron was ordained a priest, he was washed completely on that occasion (Leviticus 8:6). That act was not repeated. When the priest entered the sanctuary to serve, he had to wash his hands and feet from the laver (Exodus 30:19). He had to do this every time he entered the sanctuary to serve.

This repeated act is what the Lord represents here in the foot washing. Only here it is not a matter of washing the hands, but of washing the feet, because the feet speak of walking and that affects our entire behavior. In the picture of the service in the tabernacle, we see that the washing of the feet is the preparation for entering the first part of the sanctuary, the holy place, in John 14-16, and entering the holy of holies in John 17.

In His teaching to the disciples, the Lord says that a person who is completely washed, is completely clean and needs only to have his feet washed. However, there is an exception among the disciples, someone to whom all this teaching about foot washing does not apply. There is one among them who is not completely clean because he is not completely washed, i.e. because he has not been converted and has no new life. The Lord knows that one exception and He also knows what is in the heart of that disciple. The heart of that disciple is not connected with His heart. There is no life connection between Him and that disciple. Therefore, what He said does not apply to a man like Judas.

John 16:2

Completely Clean, but Not All of Them

When the Lord has told him this, Peter falls into the other extreme. He wants the Lord not only to wash his feet, but also his hands and his head. But that is not what is meant either. The Lord responds to Peter’s exaggerated reaction by giving further important teaching, as He always does after statements or reactions that demonstrate how much His words are misunderstood. He is a Teacher full of patience.

He declares to Peter – and to us! – that there are two forms of washing. There is a one-time washing of the whole body. This is what happened during our conversion (1 Corinthians 6:11; Titus 3:5). It is the one-time spiritual renewal through the Word and the working of the Spirit that is not repeated (John 3:3-6). It is the receiving of new life through which we have become children of God. Who once is a child of God, cannot become a child of God a second time. After that it is necessary to wash the feet regularly. This regular washing also takes place through the Word (Psalms 119:9).

We have a picture of both forms of washing in what happened to the priests in the Old Testament. When a son of Aaron was ordained a priest, he was washed completely on that occasion (Leviticus 8:6). That act was not repeated. When the priest entered the sanctuary to serve, he had to wash his hands and feet from the laver (Exodus 30:19). He had to do this every time he entered the sanctuary to serve.

This repeated act is what the Lord represents here in the foot washing. Only here it is not a matter of washing the hands, but of washing the feet, because the feet speak of walking and that affects our entire behavior. In the picture of the service in the tabernacle, we see that the washing of the feet is the preparation for entering the first part of the sanctuary, the holy place, in John 14-16, and entering the holy of holies in John 17.

In His teaching to the disciples, the Lord says that a person who is completely washed, is completely clean and needs only to have his feet washed. However, there is an exception among the disciples, someone to whom all this teaching about foot washing does not apply. There is one among them who is not completely clean because he is not completely washed, i.e. because he has not been converted and has no new life. The Lord knows that one exception and He also knows what is in the heart of that disciple. The heart of that disciple is not connected with His heart. There is no life connection between Him and that disciple. Therefore, what He said does not apply to a man like Judas.

John 16:3

Do as the Lord Did

The Lord has washed the feet of all disciples, including those of Judas. He has taken His garments again. Then He asks them whether they understand what He has done to them. From His question it appears that there is more connected to His deed than just making sure their feet are clean so that they can go to the table refreshed. By asking this question He wants to test their heart.

Without waiting for an answer, He is going to teach them, and us, about what He has done. He knows what they call Him and He is saying that they are right to do so. In the first place they call Him “Teacher”, someone who teaches, and in the second place “Lord”, someone who has authority over them. The order for them is that they first receive teaching and then start to obey. It is often the same with us. We first have to see the reasonableness or usefulness of something before we do what is said.

Based on their acknowledgment of Him as their Superior He teaches them more about what He has done. He tells them that what He has done to them, they now have to do to each other. When the Lord says that, He reverses their order and says that He is in the first place the Lord and in the second place the Teacher. This means that in the first place it comes down to obedience to Him as Lord and only then to accepting the teaching He gives about it. So, the first is mindset, the willingness to obey; then from that follows understanding of or gaining insight in what is being asked for.

Foot washing is an act of brotherly love. The love among each other will lead us to perform this service to each other, so that fellowship with the Lord can continue to be enjoyed. The teaching of the Lord has not been theoretical. He has given them an example (cf. 1 Peter 2:21). The purpose is that they will start to do as He has done with them. They have not only seen Him do something while they were watching. No, they have experienced personally what the Lord has done.

After He has returned to heaven, He has continued that service. He is still cleansing us when we read His Word or are reminded of it by others. His example is meant to bring us to perform that deed and thus involve us in it.

With a double “truly” and an authoritative “I say to you” He points out that they cannot ignore His example, as if they would consider themselves too good for such service. He is the Lord and they are the slaves. He has done this humble work as the Lord. Then they should not consider themselves to be greater than He by saying ‘no’ when that service is asked of them to perform it to others. He sends them to do this; they are His envoys. He sends and is thus greater. As the Sender He has done this humble work, how much more they are obliged to do this work when He sends them to do it.

He also knows that ‘knowing’ and ‘doing’ are two things. That is why He urges them to do what they know now. He does not do this with a threatening ‘woe to you, if you do not do these things’, but with an encouraging “blessed if you do them”. Applying the Word to our dealings cleanses from defilement. Consequently, we can remain in undisturbed fellowship with the Lord Jesus. True brotherly love will desire this for every brother and sister and consequently the service of foot washing will also be performed. And is that not a service that makes us happy?

What the Lord has done and taught His disciples can be summarized in three catchy words: humility, sanctification and happiness. These words at the same time indicate an order that we cannot turn around or leave out an element of. The path of sanctification and happiness begins and continues with humility. Humility leads to sanctification and sanctification leads to happiness. There is no happiness without humility and sanctification.

John 16:4

Do as the Lord Did

The Lord has washed the feet of all disciples, including those of Judas. He has taken His garments again. Then He asks them whether they understand what He has done to them. From His question it appears that there is more connected to His deed than just making sure their feet are clean so that they can go to the table refreshed. By asking this question He wants to test their heart.

Without waiting for an answer, He is going to teach them, and us, about what He has done. He knows what they call Him and He is saying that they are right to do so. In the first place they call Him “Teacher”, someone who teaches, and in the second place “Lord”, someone who has authority over them. The order for them is that they first receive teaching and then start to obey. It is often the same with us. We first have to see the reasonableness or usefulness of something before we do what is said.

Based on their acknowledgment of Him as their Superior He teaches them more about what He has done. He tells them that what He has done to them, they now have to do to each other. When the Lord says that, He reverses their order and says that He is in the first place the Lord and in the second place the Teacher. This means that in the first place it comes down to obedience to Him as Lord and only then to accepting the teaching He gives about it. So, the first is mindset, the willingness to obey; then from that follows understanding of or gaining insight in what is being asked for.

Foot washing is an act of brotherly love. The love among each other will lead us to perform this service to each other, so that fellowship with the Lord can continue to be enjoyed. The teaching of the Lord has not been theoretical. He has given them an example (cf. 1 Peter 2:21). The purpose is that they will start to do as He has done with them. They have not only seen Him do something while they were watching. No, they have experienced personally what the Lord has done.

After He has returned to heaven, He has continued that service. He is still cleansing us when we read His Word or are reminded of it by others. His example is meant to bring us to perform that deed and thus involve us in it.

With a double “truly” and an authoritative “I say to you” He points out that they cannot ignore His example, as if they would consider themselves too good for such service. He is the Lord and they are the slaves. He has done this humble work as the Lord. Then they should not consider themselves to be greater than He by saying ‘no’ when that service is asked of them to perform it to others. He sends them to do this; they are His envoys. He sends and is thus greater. As the Sender He has done this humble work, how much more they are obliged to do this work when He sends them to do it.

He also knows that ‘knowing’ and ‘doing’ are two things. That is why He urges them to do what they know now. He does not do this with a threatening ‘woe to you, if you do not do these things’, but with an encouraging “blessed if you do them”. Applying the Word to our dealings cleanses from defilement. Consequently, we can remain in undisturbed fellowship with the Lord Jesus. True brotherly love will desire this for every brother and sister and consequently the service of foot washing will also be performed. And is that not a service that makes us happy?

What the Lord has done and taught His disciples can be summarized in three catchy words: humility, sanctification and happiness. These words at the same time indicate an order that we cannot turn around or leave out an element of. The path of sanctification and happiness begins and continues with humility. Humility leads to sanctification and sanctification leads to happiness. There is no happiness without humility and sanctification.

John 16:5

Do as the Lord Did

The Lord has washed the feet of all disciples, including those of Judas. He has taken His garments again. Then He asks them whether they understand what He has done to them. From His question it appears that there is more connected to His deed than just making sure their feet are clean so that they can go to the table refreshed. By asking this question He wants to test their heart.

Without waiting for an answer, He is going to teach them, and us, about what He has done. He knows what they call Him and He is saying that they are right to do so. In the first place they call Him “Teacher”, someone who teaches, and in the second place “Lord”, someone who has authority over them. The order for them is that they first receive teaching and then start to obey. It is often the same with us. We first have to see the reasonableness or usefulness of something before we do what is said.

Based on their acknowledgment of Him as their Superior He teaches them more about what He has done. He tells them that what He has done to them, they now have to do to each other. When the Lord says that, He reverses their order and says that He is in the first place the Lord and in the second place the Teacher. This means that in the first place it comes down to obedience to Him as Lord and only then to accepting the teaching He gives about it. So, the first is mindset, the willingness to obey; then from that follows understanding of or gaining insight in what is being asked for.

Foot washing is an act of brotherly love. The love among each other will lead us to perform this service to each other, so that fellowship with the Lord can continue to be enjoyed. The teaching of the Lord has not been theoretical. He has given them an example (cf. 1 Peter 2:21). The purpose is that they will start to do as He has done with them. They have not only seen Him do something while they were watching. No, they have experienced personally what the Lord has done.

After He has returned to heaven, He has continued that service. He is still cleansing us when we read His Word or are reminded of it by others. His example is meant to bring us to perform that deed and thus involve us in it.

With a double “truly” and an authoritative “I say to you” He points out that they cannot ignore His example, as if they would consider themselves too good for such service. He is the Lord and they are the slaves. He has done this humble work as the Lord. Then they should not consider themselves to be greater than He by saying ‘no’ when that service is asked of them to perform it to others. He sends them to do this; they are His envoys. He sends and is thus greater. As the Sender He has done this humble work, how much more they are obliged to do this work when He sends them to do it.

He also knows that ‘knowing’ and ‘doing’ are two things. That is why He urges them to do what they know now. He does not do this with a threatening ‘woe to you, if you do not do these things’, but with an encouraging “blessed if you do them”. Applying the Word to our dealings cleanses from defilement. Consequently, we can remain in undisturbed fellowship with the Lord Jesus. True brotherly love will desire this for every brother and sister and consequently the service of foot washing will also be performed. And is that not a service that makes us happy?

What the Lord has done and taught His disciples can be summarized in three catchy words: humility, sanctification and happiness. These words at the same time indicate an order that we cannot turn around or leave out an element of. The path of sanctification and happiness begins and continues with humility. Humility leads to sanctification and sanctification leads to happiness. There is no happiness without humility and sanctification.

John 16:6

Do as the Lord Did

The Lord has washed the feet of all disciples, including those of Judas. He has taken His garments again. Then He asks them whether they understand what He has done to them. From His question it appears that there is more connected to His deed than just making sure their feet are clean so that they can go to the table refreshed. By asking this question He wants to test their heart.

Without waiting for an answer, He is going to teach them, and us, about what He has done. He knows what they call Him and He is saying that they are right to do so. In the first place they call Him “Teacher”, someone who teaches, and in the second place “Lord”, someone who has authority over them. The order for them is that they first receive teaching and then start to obey. It is often the same with us. We first have to see the reasonableness or usefulness of something before we do what is said.

Based on their acknowledgment of Him as their Superior He teaches them more about what He has done. He tells them that what He has done to them, they now have to do to each other. When the Lord says that, He reverses their order and says that He is in the first place the Lord and in the second place the Teacher. This means that in the first place it comes down to obedience to Him as Lord and only then to accepting the teaching He gives about it. So, the first is mindset, the willingness to obey; then from that follows understanding of or gaining insight in what is being asked for.

Foot washing is an act of brotherly love. The love among each other will lead us to perform this service to each other, so that fellowship with the Lord can continue to be enjoyed. The teaching of the Lord has not been theoretical. He has given them an example (cf. 1 Peter 2:21). The purpose is that they will start to do as He has done with them. They have not only seen Him do something while they were watching. No, they have experienced personally what the Lord has done.

After He has returned to heaven, He has continued that service. He is still cleansing us when we read His Word or are reminded of it by others. His example is meant to bring us to perform that deed and thus involve us in it.

With a double “truly” and an authoritative “I say to you” He points out that they cannot ignore His example, as if they would consider themselves too good for such service. He is the Lord and they are the slaves. He has done this humble work as the Lord. Then they should not consider themselves to be greater than He by saying ‘no’ when that service is asked of them to perform it to others. He sends them to do this; they are His envoys. He sends and is thus greater. As the Sender He has done this humble work, how much more they are obliged to do this work when He sends them to do it.

He also knows that ‘knowing’ and ‘doing’ are two things. That is why He urges them to do what they know now. He does not do this with a threatening ‘woe to you, if you do not do these things’, but with an encouraging “blessed if you do them”. Applying the Word to our dealings cleanses from defilement. Consequently, we can remain in undisturbed fellowship with the Lord Jesus. True brotherly love will desire this for every brother and sister and consequently the service of foot washing will also be performed. And is that not a service that makes us happy?

What the Lord has done and taught His disciples can be summarized in three catchy words: humility, sanctification and happiness. These words at the same time indicate an order that we cannot turn around or leave out an element of. The path of sanctification and happiness begins and continues with humility. Humility leads to sanctification and sanctification leads to happiness. There is no happiness without humility and sanctification.

John 16:7

Do as the Lord Did

The Lord has washed the feet of all disciples, including those of Judas. He has taken His garments again. Then He asks them whether they understand what He has done to them. From His question it appears that there is more connected to His deed than just making sure their feet are clean so that they can go to the table refreshed. By asking this question He wants to test their heart.

Without waiting for an answer, He is going to teach them, and us, about what He has done. He knows what they call Him and He is saying that they are right to do so. In the first place they call Him “Teacher”, someone who teaches, and in the second place “Lord”, someone who has authority over them. The order for them is that they first receive teaching and then start to obey. It is often the same with us. We first have to see the reasonableness or usefulness of something before we do what is said.

Based on their acknowledgment of Him as their Superior He teaches them more about what He has done. He tells them that what He has done to them, they now have to do to each other. When the Lord says that, He reverses their order and says that He is in the first place the Lord and in the second place the Teacher. This means that in the first place it comes down to obedience to Him as Lord and only then to accepting the teaching He gives about it. So, the first is mindset, the willingness to obey; then from that follows understanding of or gaining insight in what is being asked for.

Foot washing is an act of brotherly love. The love among each other will lead us to perform this service to each other, so that fellowship with the Lord can continue to be enjoyed. The teaching of the Lord has not been theoretical. He has given them an example (cf. 1 Peter 2:21). The purpose is that they will start to do as He has done with them. They have not only seen Him do something while they were watching. No, they have experienced personally what the Lord has done.

After He has returned to heaven, He has continued that service. He is still cleansing us when we read His Word or are reminded of it by others. His example is meant to bring us to perform that deed and thus involve us in it.

With a double “truly” and an authoritative “I say to you” He points out that they cannot ignore His example, as if they would consider themselves too good for such service. He is the Lord and they are the slaves. He has done this humble work as the Lord. Then they should not consider themselves to be greater than He by saying ‘no’ when that service is asked of them to perform it to others. He sends them to do this; they are His envoys. He sends and is thus greater. As the Sender He has done this humble work, how much more they are obliged to do this work when He sends them to do it.

He also knows that ‘knowing’ and ‘doing’ are two things. That is why He urges them to do what they know now. He does not do this with a threatening ‘woe to you, if you do not do these things’, but with an encouraging “blessed if you do them”. Applying the Word to our dealings cleanses from defilement. Consequently, we can remain in undisturbed fellowship with the Lord Jesus. True brotherly love will desire this for every brother and sister and consequently the service of foot washing will also be performed. And is that not a service that makes us happy?

What the Lord has done and taught His disciples can be summarized in three catchy words: humility, sanctification and happiness. These words at the same time indicate an order that we cannot turn around or leave out an element of. The path of sanctification and happiness begins and continues with humility. Humility leads to sanctification and sanctification leads to happiness. There is no happiness without humility and sanctification.

John 16:8

Do as the Lord Did

The Lord has washed the feet of all disciples, including those of Judas. He has taken His garments again. Then He asks them whether they understand what He has done to them. From His question it appears that there is more connected to His deed than just making sure their feet are clean so that they can go to the table refreshed. By asking this question He wants to test their heart.

Without waiting for an answer, He is going to teach them, and us, about what He has done. He knows what they call Him and He is saying that they are right to do so. In the first place they call Him “Teacher”, someone who teaches, and in the second place “Lord”, someone who has authority over them. The order for them is that they first receive teaching and then start to obey. It is often the same with us. We first have to see the reasonableness or usefulness of something before we do what is said.

Based on their acknowledgment of Him as their Superior He teaches them more about what He has done. He tells them that what He has done to them, they now have to do to each other. When the Lord says that, He reverses their order and says that He is in the first place the Lord and in the second place the Teacher. This means that in the first place it comes down to obedience to Him as Lord and only then to accepting the teaching He gives about it. So, the first is mindset, the willingness to obey; then from that follows understanding of or gaining insight in what is being asked for.

Foot washing is an act of brotherly love. The love among each other will lead us to perform this service to each other, so that fellowship with the Lord can continue to be enjoyed. The teaching of the Lord has not been theoretical. He has given them an example (cf. 1 Peter 2:21). The purpose is that they will start to do as He has done with them. They have not only seen Him do something while they were watching. No, they have experienced personally what the Lord has done.

After He has returned to heaven, He has continued that service. He is still cleansing us when we read His Word or are reminded of it by others. His example is meant to bring us to perform that deed and thus involve us in it.

With a double “truly” and an authoritative “I say to you” He points out that they cannot ignore His example, as if they would consider themselves too good for such service. He is the Lord and they are the slaves. He has done this humble work as the Lord. Then they should not consider themselves to be greater than He by saying ‘no’ when that service is asked of them to perform it to others. He sends them to do this; they are His envoys. He sends and is thus greater. As the Sender He has done this humble work, how much more they are obliged to do this work when He sends them to do it.

He also knows that ‘knowing’ and ‘doing’ are two things. That is why He urges them to do what they know now. He does not do this with a threatening ‘woe to you, if you do not do these things’, but with an encouraging “blessed if you do them”. Applying the Word to our dealings cleanses from defilement. Consequently, we can remain in undisturbed fellowship with the Lord Jesus. True brotherly love will desire this for every brother and sister and consequently the service of foot washing will also be performed. And is that not a service that makes us happy?

What the Lord has done and taught His disciples can be summarized in three catchy words: humility, sanctification and happiness. These words at the same time indicate an order that we cannot turn around or leave out an element of. The path of sanctification and happiness begins and continues with humility. Humility leads to sanctification and sanctification leads to happiness. There is no happiness without humility and sanctification.

John 16:9

Once Again the Traitor

Once again the Lord speaks about the exception among His disciples. Judas did not accidentally get into the number of the twelve. Choosing Judas as one of His apostles has been a deliberate choice of His. He chose him because Scripture spoke of a man like Judas (Psalms 41:9). In that psalm it is about Ahithophel, the counselor of David, who became his traitor in the hour of great distress in which he found himself (2 Samuel 15:12; 2 Samuel 16:21; 2 Samuel 17:1; 14; 23). There is a clear parallel between Judas and Ahithophel, just as there is between the Lord Jesus and David.

It is particularly painful to be betrayed by someone with whom you have eaten your bread, which is a sign of close fellowship. Lifting the heel speaks of treacherously tripping an opponent. This is how Judas dealt with the Lord Jesus!

While the Scripture word expresses the sorrow that the Lord experiences from the act of Judas, there is also the complete submission to Scripture and thus the peace of acceptance. The importance of Scripture and the knowledge of it are enormous. They form the basis of all His speaking and acting. This is how it should be for us as well.

It does not mean that Judas has been chosen to betray the Lord. That is his own choice, for which he bears full responsibility. Here the Lord tells His disciples about the betrayal of Judas in order to strengthen their faith in His Person. Once what has been foretold takes place, it is proof that the prophet has spoken the truth. He is the promised Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:18-22).

John 16:10

Once Again the Traitor

Once again the Lord speaks about the exception among His disciples. Judas did not accidentally get into the number of the twelve. Choosing Judas as one of His apostles has been a deliberate choice of His. He chose him because Scripture spoke of a man like Judas (Psalms 41:9). In that psalm it is about Ahithophel, the counselor of David, who became his traitor in the hour of great distress in which he found himself (2 Samuel 15:12; 2 Samuel 16:21; 2 Samuel 17:1; 14; 23). There is a clear parallel between Judas and Ahithophel, just as there is between the Lord Jesus and David.

It is particularly painful to be betrayed by someone with whom you have eaten your bread, which is a sign of close fellowship. Lifting the heel speaks of treacherously tripping an opponent. This is how Judas dealt with the Lord Jesus!

While the Scripture word expresses the sorrow that the Lord experiences from the act of Judas, there is also the complete submission to Scripture and thus the peace of acceptance. The importance of Scripture and the knowledge of it are enormous. They form the basis of all His speaking and acting. This is how it should be for us as well.

It does not mean that Judas has been chosen to betray the Lord. That is his own choice, for which he bears full responsibility. Here the Lord tells His disciples about the betrayal of Judas in order to strengthen their faith in His Person. Once what has been foretold takes place, it is proof that the prophet has spoken the truth. He is the promised Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:18-22).

John 16:11

Receive Him Who Has Been Sent by the Son

In John 13:16 the Lord spoke of those who are sent to wash the feet of others. He said that they should not feel too good to do this service. After all, He, the Lord and the Teacher, has shown it to them and by doing so has given them an example. Now He speaks about those whose feet need to be washed. He makes it clear that it is not up to whom receives this service, to decide whether the person who comes pleases him or not. It is about accepting the service of foot washing.

Whoever comes to wash our feet is sent by the Lord and is to be received as such. Even if a Judas were to come to us, we would still have to receive him since he was sent by the Lord. Hence, we will receive the blessing, because by receiving such a person, we receive the Lord Jesus and the Father. Accepting this service will also mean that we will not share in the fate of Judas. The fate of Judas is not for those who receive the ones sent by the Lord.

John 16:12

The Traitor Identified

After the Lord has spoken about who He will send, He thinks of Judas and is deeply troubled. His becoming troubled in spirit is not caused by the thought of the betrayal that will take place and its consequences, but by the fact that it will be one of them, who has been in His company all the time. He makes His disciples, among whom Judas is still found, known what He is busy with in His spirit. Thereupon he makes a solemn declaration as we see from the word ”testified”. The certainty and at the same time the seriousness of this word are further emphasized by the preceding double “truly” followed by the authoritative “I say to you”.

The disciples look at one another in despair, wondering of whom He is speaking. This attitude shows that among the disciples there is no suspicion whatsoever toward Judas. To them, he seems to be a completely sincere person. Judas is a striking illustration of a false apostle about whom we read in 2 Corinthians 11 (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). It shows that the Lord Jesus has never made any allusion that He distrusts Judas or dislikes him or has shown anything else that would make Him want to warn the other disciples about Judas. He has always given Judas His full trust.

Opposite the hypocrisy of Judas shines the deep and sincere love of the disciple who is in the immediate vicinity of the Lord Jesus. He is reclining on His bosom. This indicates intimacy (John 1:18). John does not mention the name of the disciple. However, there can be no doubt that he means himself when he writes about the disciple “whom Jesus loved” (John 19:26; John 20:2; John 21:7; 20; 24). He calls himself that because he is aware that the Lord loves him.

The Lord certainly loved all disciples, but John is aware of this in a special way and cherished himself in that love. John did not take that place in order to receive messages for others, but intimacy with the Lord Jesus makes one familiar with His thoughts and enables him to serve others with them. Peter recognizes the place of intimacy that John takes. He did not occupy such a place himself because he still expected a lot from himself. But that did not prevent him from serving the Lord, and he did so. Nor is he jealous of John’s place, but recognizes him in it by giving him a hint.

It is a good thing to ask believers of whom we know that they live close to the Lord and His Word what light they have received from Him on a particular matter. John does not think it is a stupid question and he does not say: ‘Ask it yourself.’ The disciples complement each other. Each receives from the Lord his own formation, place and service. It is good to have an eye for that and to accept and appreciate that of each other.

John then asks the question who it is. The Lord answers by referring to a symbolic act at the supper. He says it is him to whom He will give the morsel after He has dipped it. Because He speaks emphatically about ‘the’ morsel and not about ‘a’ morsel, it is assumed that it refers to the act by which a host opens the supper. He takes ‘the’ morsel and gives it to the most important person at the table. It is a gesture of honor. With this gesture of honor, the Lord with love and grace makes another attempt to speak to the heart of Judas to bring him back from his pernicious path. But also this tribute is rejected by Judas.

Then all barriers are gone for satan to enter Judas. This rejection is the third and final step in the fall of Judas who first came under the power of money (John 12:6), which then made him an instrument of satan to betray the Lord for money (John 13:2), and here satan enters into him. The ruler of the demons takes the lead personally.

The Lord tells Judas to act quickly. Satan now gets the opportunity to do what he has always wanted to do because now it is God’s time. Judas does not become evil just now. He was already evil because of his greed for money, to which he gave in at everyday temptations. The Lord completely knows the heart of Judas. That is why He tells him to do quickly what he has to do.

Still nobody suspects anything of what is going on in Judas. The Lord has given the disciples the clearest clue, but there is no mention in their agenda of a surrender of the Lord and His death. They simply do not take into account the fact of His surrender. Therefore, any reminder from Him in that direction passes them by. They find a practical explanation for His words. Judas just has to go and buy something, like he always did when something was needed. After all, he had the money box. Or he had to go and give something to the poor somewhere. Apparently the Lord gave the order for that more often.

Judas does not refuse the morsel. He knows that the Lord sees through him. After he has taken the morsel the Lord gave him, he immediately leaves the scene into the night. It is night around him, but even more it is night in his soul.

John 16:13

The Traitor Identified

After the Lord has spoken about who He will send, He thinks of Judas and is deeply troubled. His becoming troubled in spirit is not caused by the thought of the betrayal that will take place and its consequences, but by the fact that it will be one of them, who has been in His company all the time. He makes His disciples, among whom Judas is still found, known what He is busy with in His spirit. Thereupon he makes a solemn declaration as we see from the word ”testified”. The certainty and at the same time the seriousness of this word are further emphasized by the preceding double “truly” followed by the authoritative “I say to you”.

The disciples look at one another in despair, wondering of whom He is speaking. This attitude shows that among the disciples there is no suspicion whatsoever toward Judas. To them, he seems to be a completely sincere person. Judas is a striking illustration of a false apostle about whom we read in 2 Corinthians 11 (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). It shows that the Lord Jesus has never made any allusion that He distrusts Judas or dislikes him or has shown anything else that would make Him want to warn the other disciples about Judas. He has always given Judas His full trust.

Opposite the hypocrisy of Judas shines the deep and sincere love of the disciple who is in the immediate vicinity of the Lord Jesus. He is reclining on His bosom. This indicates intimacy (John 1:18). John does not mention the name of the disciple. However, there can be no doubt that he means himself when he writes about the disciple “whom Jesus loved” (John 19:26; John 20:2; John 21:7; 20; 24). He calls himself that because he is aware that the Lord loves him.

The Lord certainly loved all disciples, but John is aware of this in a special way and cherished himself in that love. John did not take that place in order to receive messages for others, but intimacy with the Lord Jesus makes one familiar with His thoughts and enables him to serve others with them. Peter recognizes the place of intimacy that John takes. He did not occupy such a place himself because he still expected a lot from himself. But that did not prevent him from serving the Lord, and he did so. Nor is he jealous of John’s place, but recognizes him in it by giving him a hint.

It is a good thing to ask believers of whom we know that they live close to the Lord and His Word what light they have received from Him on a particular matter. John does not think it is a stupid question and he does not say: ‘Ask it yourself.’ The disciples complement each other. Each receives from the Lord his own formation, place and service. It is good to have an eye for that and to accept and appreciate that of each other.

John then asks the question who it is. The Lord answers by referring to a symbolic act at the supper. He says it is him to whom He will give the morsel after He has dipped it. Because He speaks emphatically about ‘the’ morsel and not about ‘a’ morsel, it is assumed that it refers to the act by which a host opens the supper. He takes ‘the’ morsel and gives it to the most important person at the table. It is a gesture of honor. With this gesture of honor, the Lord with love and grace makes another attempt to speak to the heart of Judas to bring him back from his pernicious path. But also this tribute is rejected by Judas.

Then all barriers are gone for satan to enter Judas. This rejection is the third and final step in the fall of Judas who first came under the power of money (John 12:6), which then made him an instrument of satan to betray the Lord for money (John 13:2), and here satan enters into him. The ruler of the demons takes the lead personally.

The Lord tells Judas to act quickly. Satan now gets the opportunity to do what he has always wanted to do because now it is God’s time. Judas does not become evil just now. He was already evil because of his greed for money, to which he gave in at everyday temptations. The Lord completely knows the heart of Judas. That is why He tells him to do quickly what he has to do.

Still nobody suspects anything of what is going on in Judas. The Lord has given the disciples the clearest clue, but there is no mention in their agenda of a surrender of the Lord and His death. They simply do not take into account the fact of His surrender. Therefore, any reminder from Him in that direction passes them by. They find a practical explanation for His words. Judas just has to go and buy something, like he always did when something was needed. After all, he had the money box. Or he had to go and give something to the poor somewhere. Apparently the Lord gave the order for that more often.

Judas does not refuse the morsel. He knows that the Lord sees through him. After he has taken the morsel the Lord gave him, he immediately leaves the scene into the night. It is night around him, but even more it is night in his soul.

John 16:14

The Traitor Identified

After the Lord has spoken about who He will send, He thinks of Judas and is deeply troubled. His becoming troubled in spirit is not caused by the thought of the betrayal that will take place and its consequences, but by the fact that it will be one of them, who has been in His company all the time. He makes His disciples, among whom Judas is still found, known what He is busy with in His spirit. Thereupon he makes a solemn declaration as we see from the word ”testified”. The certainty and at the same time the seriousness of this word are further emphasized by the preceding double “truly” followed by the authoritative “I say to you”.

The disciples look at one another in despair, wondering of whom He is speaking. This attitude shows that among the disciples there is no suspicion whatsoever toward Judas. To them, he seems to be a completely sincere person. Judas is a striking illustration of a false apostle about whom we read in 2 Corinthians 11 (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). It shows that the Lord Jesus has never made any allusion that He distrusts Judas or dislikes him or has shown anything else that would make Him want to warn the other disciples about Judas. He has always given Judas His full trust.

Opposite the hypocrisy of Judas shines the deep and sincere love of the disciple who is in the immediate vicinity of the Lord Jesus. He is reclining on His bosom. This indicates intimacy (John 1:18). John does not mention the name of the disciple. However, there can be no doubt that he means himself when he writes about the disciple “whom Jesus loved” (John 19:26; John 20:2; John 21:7; 20; 24). He calls himself that because he is aware that the Lord loves him.

The Lord certainly loved all disciples, but John is aware of this in a special way and cherished himself in that love. John did not take that place in order to receive messages for others, but intimacy with the Lord Jesus makes one familiar with His thoughts and enables him to serve others with them. Peter recognizes the place of intimacy that John takes. He did not occupy such a place himself because he still expected a lot from himself. But that did not prevent him from serving the Lord, and he did so. Nor is he jealous of John’s place, but recognizes him in it by giving him a hint.

It is a good thing to ask believers of whom we know that they live close to the Lord and His Word what light they have received from Him on a particular matter. John does not think it is a stupid question and he does not say: ‘Ask it yourself.’ The disciples complement each other. Each receives from the Lord his own formation, place and service. It is good to have an eye for that and to accept and appreciate that of each other.

John then asks the question who it is. The Lord answers by referring to a symbolic act at the supper. He says it is him to whom He will give the morsel after He has dipped it. Because He speaks emphatically about ‘the’ morsel and not about ‘a’ morsel, it is assumed that it refers to the act by which a host opens the supper. He takes ‘the’ morsel and gives it to the most important person at the table. It is a gesture of honor. With this gesture of honor, the Lord with love and grace makes another attempt to speak to the heart of Judas to bring him back from his pernicious path. But also this tribute is rejected by Judas.

Then all barriers are gone for satan to enter Judas. This rejection is the third and final step in the fall of Judas who first came under the power of money (John 12:6), which then made him an instrument of satan to betray the Lord for money (John 13:2), and here satan enters into him. The ruler of the demons takes the lead personally.

The Lord tells Judas to act quickly. Satan now gets the opportunity to do what he has always wanted to do because now it is God’s time. Judas does not become evil just now. He was already evil because of his greed for money, to which he gave in at everyday temptations. The Lord completely knows the heart of Judas. That is why He tells him to do quickly what he has to do.

Still nobody suspects anything of what is going on in Judas. The Lord has given the disciples the clearest clue, but there is no mention in their agenda of a surrender of the Lord and His death. They simply do not take into account the fact of His surrender. Therefore, any reminder from Him in that direction passes them by. They find a practical explanation for His words. Judas just has to go and buy something, like he always did when something was needed. After all, he had the money box. Or he had to go and give something to the poor somewhere. Apparently the Lord gave the order for that more often.

Judas does not refuse the morsel. He knows that the Lord sees through him. After he has taken the morsel the Lord gave him, he immediately leaves the scene into the night. It is night around him, but even more it is night in his soul.

John 16:15

The Traitor Identified

After the Lord has spoken about who He will send, He thinks of Judas and is deeply troubled. His becoming troubled in spirit is not caused by the thought of the betrayal that will take place and its consequences, but by the fact that it will be one of them, who has been in His company all the time. He makes His disciples, among whom Judas is still found, known what He is busy with in His spirit. Thereupon he makes a solemn declaration as we see from the word ”testified”. The certainty and at the same time the seriousness of this word are further emphasized by the preceding double “truly” followed by the authoritative “I say to you”.

The disciples look at one another in despair, wondering of whom He is speaking. This attitude shows that among the disciples there is no suspicion whatsoever toward Judas. To them, he seems to be a completely sincere person. Judas is a striking illustration of a false apostle about whom we read in 2 Corinthians 11 (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). It shows that the Lord Jesus has never made any allusion that He distrusts Judas or dislikes him or has shown anything else that would make Him want to warn the other disciples about Judas. He has always given Judas His full trust.

Opposite the hypocrisy of Judas shines the deep and sincere love of the disciple who is in the immediate vicinity of the Lord Jesus. He is reclining on His bosom. This indicates intimacy (John 1:18). John does not mention the name of the disciple. However, there can be no doubt that he means himself when he writes about the disciple “whom Jesus loved” (John 19:26; John 20:2; John 21:7; 20; 24). He calls himself that because he is aware that the Lord loves him.

The Lord certainly loved all disciples, but John is aware of this in a special way and cherished himself in that love. John did not take that place in order to receive messages for others, but intimacy with the Lord Jesus makes one familiar with His thoughts and enables him to serve others with them. Peter recognizes the place of intimacy that John takes. He did not occupy such a place himself because he still expected a lot from himself. But that did not prevent him from serving the Lord, and he did so. Nor is he jealous of John’s place, but recognizes him in it by giving him a hint.

It is a good thing to ask believers of whom we know that they live close to the Lord and His Word what light they have received from Him on a particular matter. John does not think it is a stupid question and he does not say: ‘Ask it yourself.’ The disciples complement each other. Each receives from the Lord his own formation, place and service. It is good to have an eye for that and to accept and appreciate that of each other.

John then asks the question who it is. The Lord answers by referring to a symbolic act at the supper. He says it is him to whom He will give the morsel after He has dipped it. Because He speaks emphatically about ‘the’ morsel and not about ‘a’ morsel, it is assumed that it refers to the act by which a host opens the supper. He takes ‘the’ morsel and gives it to the most important person at the table. It is a gesture of honor. With this gesture of honor, the Lord with love and grace makes another attempt to speak to the heart of Judas to bring him back from his pernicious path. But also this tribute is rejected by Judas.

Then all barriers are gone for satan to enter Judas. This rejection is the third and final step in the fall of Judas who first came under the power of money (John 12:6), which then made him an instrument of satan to betray the Lord for money (John 13:2), and here satan enters into him. The ruler of the demons takes the lead personally.

The Lord tells Judas to act quickly. Satan now gets the opportunity to do what he has always wanted to do because now it is God’s time. Judas does not become evil just now. He was already evil because of his greed for money, to which he gave in at everyday temptations. The Lord completely knows the heart of Judas. That is why He tells him to do quickly what he has to do.

Still nobody suspects anything of what is going on in Judas. The Lord has given the disciples the clearest clue, but there is no mention in their agenda of a surrender of the Lord and His death. They simply do not take into account the fact of His surrender. Therefore, any reminder from Him in that direction passes them by. They find a practical explanation for His words. Judas just has to go and buy something, like he always did when something was needed. After all, he had the money box. Or he had to go and give something to the poor somewhere. Apparently the Lord gave the order for that more often.

Judas does not refuse the morsel. He knows that the Lord sees through him. After he has taken the morsel the Lord gave him, he immediately leaves the scene into the night. It is night around him, but even more it is night in his soul.

John 16:16

The Traitor Identified

After the Lord has spoken about who He will send, He thinks of Judas and is deeply troubled. His becoming troubled in spirit is not caused by the thought of the betrayal that will take place and its consequences, but by the fact that it will be one of them, who has been in His company all the time. He makes His disciples, among whom Judas is still found, known what He is busy with in His spirit. Thereupon he makes a solemn declaration as we see from the word ”testified”. The certainty and at the same time the seriousness of this word are further emphasized by the preceding double “truly” followed by the authoritative “I say to you”.

The disciples look at one another in despair, wondering of whom He is speaking. This attitude shows that among the disciples there is no suspicion whatsoever toward Judas. To them, he seems to be a completely sincere person. Judas is a striking illustration of a false apostle about whom we read in 2 Corinthians 11 (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). It shows that the Lord Jesus has never made any allusion that He distrusts Judas or dislikes him or has shown anything else that would make Him want to warn the other disciples about Judas. He has always given Judas His full trust.

Opposite the hypocrisy of Judas shines the deep and sincere love of the disciple who is in the immediate vicinity of the Lord Jesus. He is reclining on His bosom. This indicates intimacy (John 1:18). John does not mention the name of the disciple. However, there can be no doubt that he means himself when he writes about the disciple “whom Jesus loved” (John 19:26; John 20:2; John 21:7; 20; 24). He calls himself that because he is aware that the Lord loves him.

The Lord certainly loved all disciples, but John is aware of this in a special way and cherished himself in that love. John did not take that place in order to receive messages for others, but intimacy with the Lord Jesus makes one familiar with His thoughts and enables him to serve others with them. Peter recognizes the place of intimacy that John takes. He did not occupy such a place himself because he still expected a lot from himself. But that did not prevent him from serving the Lord, and he did so. Nor is he jealous of John’s place, but recognizes him in it by giving him a hint.

It is a good thing to ask believers of whom we know that they live close to the Lord and His Word what light they have received from Him on a particular matter. John does not think it is a stupid question and he does not say: ‘Ask it yourself.’ The disciples complement each other. Each receives from the Lord his own formation, place and service. It is good to have an eye for that and to accept and appreciate that of each other.

John then asks the question who it is. The Lord answers by referring to a symbolic act at the supper. He says it is him to whom He will give the morsel after He has dipped it. Because He speaks emphatically about ‘the’ morsel and not about ‘a’ morsel, it is assumed that it refers to the act by which a host opens the supper. He takes ‘the’ morsel and gives it to the most important person at the table. It is a gesture of honor. With this gesture of honor, the Lord with love and grace makes another attempt to speak to the heart of Judas to bring him back from his pernicious path. But also this tribute is rejected by Judas.

Then all barriers are gone for satan to enter Judas. This rejection is the third and final step in the fall of Judas who first came under the power of money (John 12:6), which then made him an instrument of satan to betray the Lord for money (John 13:2), and here satan enters into him. The ruler of the demons takes the lead personally.

The Lord tells Judas to act quickly. Satan now gets the opportunity to do what he has always wanted to do because now it is God’s time. Judas does not become evil just now. He was already evil because of his greed for money, to which he gave in at everyday temptations. The Lord completely knows the heart of Judas. That is why He tells him to do quickly what he has to do.

Still nobody suspects anything of what is going on in Judas. The Lord has given the disciples the clearest clue, but there is no mention in their agenda of a surrender of the Lord and His death. They simply do not take into account the fact of His surrender. Therefore, any reminder from Him in that direction passes them by. They find a practical explanation for His words. Judas just has to go and buy something, like he always did when something was needed. After all, he had the money box. Or he had to go and give something to the poor somewhere. Apparently the Lord gave the order for that more often.

Judas does not refuse the morsel. He knows that the Lord sees through him. After he has taken the morsel the Lord gave him, he immediately leaves the scene into the night. It is night around him, but even more it is night in his soul.

John 16:17

The Traitor Identified

After the Lord has spoken about who He will send, He thinks of Judas and is deeply troubled. His becoming troubled in spirit is not caused by the thought of the betrayal that will take place and its consequences, but by the fact that it will be one of them, who has been in His company all the time. He makes His disciples, among whom Judas is still found, known what He is busy with in His spirit. Thereupon he makes a solemn declaration as we see from the word ”testified”. The certainty and at the same time the seriousness of this word are further emphasized by the preceding double “truly” followed by the authoritative “I say to you”.

The disciples look at one another in despair, wondering of whom He is speaking. This attitude shows that among the disciples there is no suspicion whatsoever toward Judas. To them, he seems to be a completely sincere person. Judas is a striking illustration of a false apostle about whom we read in 2 Corinthians 11 (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). It shows that the Lord Jesus has never made any allusion that He distrusts Judas or dislikes him or has shown anything else that would make Him want to warn the other disciples about Judas. He has always given Judas His full trust.

Opposite the hypocrisy of Judas shines the deep and sincere love of the disciple who is in the immediate vicinity of the Lord Jesus. He is reclining on His bosom. This indicates intimacy (John 1:18). John does not mention the name of the disciple. However, there can be no doubt that he means himself when he writes about the disciple “whom Jesus loved” (John 19:26; John 20:2; John 21:7; 20; 24). He calls himself that because he is aware that the Lord loves him.

The Lord certainly loved all disciples, but John is aware of this in a special way and cherished himself in that love. John did not take that place in order to receive messages for others, but intimacy with the Lord Jesus makes one familiar with His thoughts and enables him to serve others with them. Peter recognizes the place of intimacy that John takes. He did not occupy such a place himself because he still expected a lot from himself. But that did not prevent him from serving the Lord, and he did so. Nor is he jealous of John’s place, but recognizes him in it by giving him a hint.

It is a good thing to ask believers of whom we know that they live close to the Lord and His Word what light they have received from Him on a particular matter. John does not think it is a stupid question and he does not say: ‘Ask it yourself.’ The disciples complement each other. Each receives from the Lord his own formation, place and service. It is good to have an eye for that and to accept and appreciate that of each other.

John then asks the question who it is. The Lord answers by referring to a symbolic act at the supper. He says it is him to whom He will give the morsel after He has dipped it. Because He speaks emphatically about ‘the’ morsel and not about ‘a’ morsel, it is assumed that it refers to the act by which a host opens the supper. He takes ‘the’ morsel and gives it to the most important person at the table. It is a gesture of honor. With this gesture of honor, the Lord with love and grace makes another attempt to speak to the heart of Judas to bring him back from his pernicious path. But also this tribute is rejected by Judas.

Then all barriers are gone for satan to enter Judas. This rejection is the third and final step in the fall of Judas who first came under the power of money (John 12:6), which then made him an instrument of satan to betray the Lord for money (John 13:2), and here satan enters into him. The ruler of the demons takes the lead personally.

The Lord tells Judas to act quickly. Satan now gets the opportunity to do what he has always wanted to do because now it is God’s time. Judas does not become evil just now. He was already evil because of his greed for money, to which he gave in at everyday temptations. The Lord completely knows the heart of Judas. That is why He tells him to do quickly what he has to do.

Still nobody suspects anything of what is going on in Judas. The Lord has given the disciples the clearest clue, but there is no mention in their agenda of a surrender of the Lord and His death. They simply do not take into account the fact of His surrender. Therefore, any reminder from Him in that direction passes them by. They find a practical explanation for His words. Judas just has to go and buy something, like he always did when something was needed. After all, he had the money box. Or he had to go and give something to the poor somewhere. Apparently the Lord gave the order for that more often.

Judas does not refuse the morsel. He knows that the Lord sees through him. After he has taken the morsel the Lord gave him, he immediately leaves the scene into the night. It is night around him, but even more it is night in his soul.

John 16:18

The Traitor Identified

After the Lord has spoken about who He will send, He thinks of Judas and is deeply troubled. His becoming troubled in spirit is not caused by the thought of the betrayal that will take place and its consequences, but by the fact that it will be one of them, who has been in His company all the time. He makes His disciples, among whom Judas is still found, known what He is busy with in His spirit. Thereupon he makes a solemn declaration as we see from the word ”testified”. The certainty and at the same time the seriousness of this word are further emphasized by the preceding double “truly” followed by the authoritative “I say to you”.

The disciples look at one another in despair, wondering of whom He is speaking. This attitude shows that among the disciples there is no suspicion whatsoever toward Judas. To them, he seems to be a completely sincere person. Judas is a striking illustration of a false apostle about whom we read in 2 Corinthians 11 (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). It shows that the Lord Jesus has never made any allusion that He distrusts Judas or dislikes him or has shown anything else that would make Him want to warn the other disciples about Judas. He has always given Judas His full trust.

Opposite the hypocrisy of Judas shines the deep and sincere love of the disciple who is in the immediate vicinity of the Lord Jesus. He is reclining on His bosom. This indicates intimacy (John 1:18). John does not mention the name of the disciple. However, there can be no doubt that he means himself when he writes about the disciple “whom Jesus loved” (John 19:26; John 20:2; John 21:7; 20; 24). He calls himself that because he is aware that the Lord loves him.

The Lord certainly loved all disciples, but John is aware of this in a special way and cherished himself in that love. John did not take that place in order to receive messages for others, but intimacy with the Lord Jesus makes one familiar with His thoughts and enables him to serve others with them. Peter recognizes the place of intimacy that John takes. He did not occupy such a place himself because he still expected a lot from himself. But that did not prevent him from serving the Lord, and he did so. Nor is he jealous of John’s place, but recognizes him in it by giving him a hint.

It is a good thing to ask believers of whom we know that they live close to the Lord and His Word what light they have received from Him on a particular matter. John does not think it is a stupid question and he does not say: ‘Ask it yourself.’ The disciples complement each other. Each receives from the Lord his own formation, place and service. It is good to have an eye for that and to accept and appreciate that of each other.

John then asks the question who it is. The Lord answers by referring to a symbolic act at the supper. He says it is him to whom He will give the morsel after He has dipped it. Because He speaks emphatically about ‘the’ morsel and not about ‘a’ morsel, it is assumed that it refers to the act by which a host opens the supper. He takes ‘the’ morsel and gives it to the most important person at the table. It is a gesture of honor. With this gesture of honor, the Lord with love and grace makes another attempt to speak to the heart of Judas to bring him back from his pernicious path. But also this tribute is rejected by Judas.

Then all barriers are gone for satan to enter Judas. This rejection is the third and final step in the fall of Judas who first came under the power of money (John 12:6), which then made him an instrument of satan to betray the Lord for money (John 13:2), and here satan enters into him. The ruler of the demons takes the lead personally.

The Lord tells Judas to act quickly. Satan now gets the opportunity to do what he has always wanted to do because now it is God’s time. Judas does not become evil just now. He was already evil because of his greed for money, to which he gave in at everyday temptations. The Lord completely knows the heart of Judas. That is why He tells him to do quickly what he has to do.

Still nobody suspects anything of what is going on in Judas. The Lord has given the disciples the clearest clue, but there is no mention in their agenda of a surrender of the Lord and His death. They simply do not take into account the fact of His surrender. Therefore, any reminder from Him in that direction passes them by. They find a practical explanation for His words. Judas just has to go and buy something, like he always did when something was needed. After all, he had the money box. Or he had to go and give something to the poor somewhere. Apparently the Lord gave the order for that more often.

Judas does not refuse the morsel. He knows that the Lord sees through him. After he has taken the morsel the Lord gave him, he immediately leaves the scene into the night. It is night around him, but even more it is night in his soul.

John 16:19

The Traitor Identified

After the Lord has spoken about who He will send, He thinks of Judas and is deeply troubled. His becoming troubled in spirit is not caused by the thought of the betrayal that will take place and its consequences, but by the fact that it will be one of them, who has been in His company all the time. He makes His disciples, among whom Judas is still found, known what He is busy with in His spirit. Thereupon he makes a solemn declaration as we see from the word ”testified”. The certainty and at the same time the seriousness of this word are further emphasized by the preceding double “truly” followed by the authoritative “I say to you”.

The disciples look at one another in despair, wondering of whom He is speaking. This attitude shows that among the disciples there is no suspicion whatsoever toward Judas. To them, he seems to be a completely sincere person. Judas is a striking illustration of a false apostle about whom we read in 2 Corinthians 11 (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). It shows that the Lord Jesus has never made any allusion that He distrusts Judas or dislikes him or has shown anything else that would make Him want to warn the other disciples about Judas. He has always given Judas His full trust.

Opposite the hypocrisy of Judas shines the deep and sincere love of the disciple who is in the immediate vicinity of the Lord Jesus. He is reclining on His bosom. This indicates intimacy (John 1:18). John does not mention the name of the disciple. However, there can be no doubt that he means himself when he writes about the disciple “whom Jesus loved” (John 19:26; John 20:2; John 21:7; 20; 24). He calls himself that because he is aware that the Lord loves him.

The Lord certainly loved all disciples, but John is aware of this in a special way and cherished himself in that love. John did not take that place in order to receive messages for others, but intimacy with the Lord Jesus makes one familiar with His thoughts and enables him to serve others with them. Peter recognizes the place of intimacy that John takes. He did not occupy such a place himself because he still expected a lot from himself. But that did not prevent him from serving the Lord, and he did so. Nor is he jealous of John’s place, but recognizes him in it by giving him a hint.

It is a good thing to ask believers of whom we know that they live close to the Lord and His Word what light they have received from Him on a particular matter. John does not think it is a stupid question and he does not say: ‘Ask it yourself.’ The disciples complement each other. Each receives from the Lord his own formation, place and service. It is good to have an eye for that and to accept and appreciate that of each other.

John then asks the question who it is. The Lord answers by referring to a symbolic act at the supper. He says it is him to whom He will give the morsel after He has dipped it. Because He speaks emphatically about ‘the’ morsel and not about ‘a’ morsel, it is assumed that it refers to the act by which a host opens the supper. He takes ‘the’ morsel and gives it to the most important person at the table. It is a gesture of honor. With this gesture of honor, the Lord with love and grace makes another attempt to speak to the heart of Judas to bring him back from his pernicious path. But also this tribute is rejected by Judas.

Then all barriers are gone for satan to enter Judas. This rejection is the third and final step in the fall of Judas who first came under the power of money (John 12:6), which then made him an instrument of satan to betray the Lord for money (John 13:2), and here satan enters into him. The ruler of the demons takes the lead personally.

The Lord tells Judas to act quickly. Satan now gets the opportunity to do what he has always wanted to do because now it is God’s time. Judas does not become evil just now. He was already evil because of his greed for money, to which he gave in at everyday temptations. The Lord completely knows the heart of Judas. That is why He tells him to do quickly what he has to do.

Still nobody suspects anything of what is going on in Judas. The Lord has given the disciples the clearest clue, but there is no mention in their agenda of a surrender of the Lord and His death. They simply do not take into account the fact of His surrender. Therefore, any reminder from Him in that direction passes them by. They find a practical explanation for His words. Judas just has to go and buy something, like he always did when something was needed. After all, he had the money box. Or he had to go and give something to the poor somewhere. Apparently the Lord gave the order for that more often.

Judas does not refuse the morsel. He knows that the Lord sees through him. After he has taken the morsel the Lord gave him, he immediately leaves the scene into the night. It is night around him, but even more it is night in his soul.

John 16:20

The Traitor Identified

After the Lord has spoken about who He will send, He thinks of Judas and is deeply troubled. His becoming troubled in spirit is not caused by the thought of the betrayal that will take place and its consequences, but by the fact that it will be one of them, who has been in His company all the time. He makes His disciples, among whom Judas is still found, known what He is busy with in His spirit. Thereupon he makes a solemn declaration as we see from the word ”testified”. The certainty and at the same time the seriousness of this word are further emphasized by the preceding double “truly” followed by the authoritative “I say to you”.

The disciples look at one another in despair, wondering of whom He is speaking. This attitude shows that among the disciples there is no suspicion whatsoever toward Judas. To them, he seems to be a completely sincere person. Judas is a striking illustration of a false apostle about whom we read in 2 Corinthians 11 (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). It shows that the Lord Jesus has never made any allusion that He distrusts Judas or dislikes him or has shown anything else that would make Him want to warn the other disciples about Judas. He has always given Judas His full trust.

Opposite the hypocrisy of Judas shines the deep and sincere love of the disciple who is in the immediate vicinity of the Lord Jesus. He is reclining on His bosom. This indicates intimacy (John 1:18). John does not mention the name of the disciple. However, there can be no doubt that he means himself when he writes about the disciple “whom Jesus loved” (John 19:26; John 20:2; John 21:7; 20; 24). He calls himself that because he is aware that the Lord loves him.

The Lord certainly loved all disciples, but John is aware of this in a special way and cherished himself in that love. John did not take that place in order to receive messages for others, but intimacy with the Lord Jesus makes one familiar with His thoughts and enables him to serve others with them. Peter recognizes the place of intimacy that John takes. He did not occupy such a place himself because he still expected a lot from himself. But that did not prevent him from serving the Lord, and he did so. Nor is he jealous of John’s place, but recognizes him in it by giving him a hint.

It is a good thing to ask believers of whom we know that they live close to the Lord and His Word what light they have received from Him on a particular matter. John does not think it is a stupid question and he does not say: ‘Ask it yourself.’ The disciples complement each other. Each receives from the Lord his own formation, place and service. It is good to have an eye for that and to accept and appreciate that of each other.

John then asks the question who it is. The Lord answers by referring to a symbolic act at the supper. He says it is him to whom He will give the morsel after He has dipped it. Because He speaks emphatically about ‘the’ morsel and not about ‘a’ morsel, it is assumed that it refers to the act by which a host opens the supper. He takes ‘the’ morsel and gives it to the most important person at the table. It is a gesture of honor. With this gesture of honor, the Lord with love and grace makes another attempt to speak to the heart of Judas to bring him back from his pernicious path. But also this tribute is rejected by Judas.

Then all barriers are gone for satan to enter Judas. This rejection is the third and final step in the fall of Judas who first came under the power of money (John 12:6), which then made him an instrument of satan to betray the Lord for money (John 13:2), and here satan enters into him. The ruler of the demons takes the lead personally.

The Lord tells Judas to act quickly. Satan now gets the opportunity to do what he has always wanted to do because now it is God’s time. Judas does not become evil just now. He was already evil because of his greed for money, to which he gave in at everyday temptations. The Lord completely knows the heart of Judas. That is why He tells him to do quickly what he has to do.

Still nobody suspects anything of what is going on in Judas. The Lord has given the disciples the clearest clue, but there is no mention in their agenda of a surrender of the Lord and His death. They simply do not take into account the fact of His surrender. Therefore, any reminder from Him in that direction passes them by. They find a practical explanation for His words. Judas just has to go and buy something, like he always did when something was needed. After all, he had the money box. Or he had to go and give something to the poor somewhere. Apparently the Lord gave the order for that more often.

Judas does not refuse the morsel. He knows that the Lord sees through him. After he has taken the morsel the Lord gave him, he immediately leaves the scene into the night. It is night around him, but even more it is night in his soul.

John 16:21

The Traitor Identified

After the Lord has spoken about who He will send, He thinks of Judas and is deeply troubled. His becoming troubled in spirit is not caused by the thought of the betrayal that will take place and its consequences, but by the fact that it will be one of them, who has been in His company all the time. He makes His disciples, among whom Judas is still found, known what He is busy with in His spirit. Thereupon he makes a solemn declaration as we see from the word ”testified”. The certainty and at the same time the seriousness of this word are further emphasized by the preceding double “truly” followed by the authoritative “I say to you”.

The disciples look at one another in despair, wondering of whom He is speaking. This attitude shows that among the disciples there is no suspicion whatsoever toward Judas. To them, he seems to be a completely sincere person. Judas is a striking illustration of a false apostle about whom we read in 2 Corinthians 11 (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). It shows that the Lord Jesus has never made any allusion that He distrusts Judas or dislikes him or has shown anything else that would make Him want to warn the other disciples about Judas. He has always given Judas His full trust.

Opposite the hypocrisy of Judas shines the deep and sincere love of the disciple who is in the immediate vicinity of the Lord Jesus. He is reclining on His bosom. This indicates intimacy (John 1:18). John does not mention the name of the disciple. However, there can be no doubt that he means himself when he writes about the disciple “whom Jesus loved” (John 19:26; John 20:2; John 21:7; 20; 24). He calls himself that because he is aware that the Lord loves him.

The Lord certainly loved all disciples, but John is aware of this in a special way and cherished himself in that love. John did not take that place in order to receive messages for others, but intimacy with the Lord Jesus makes one familiar with His thoughts and enables him to serve others with them. Peter recognizes the place of intimacy that John takes. He did not occupy such a place himself because he still expected a lot from himself. But that did not prevent him from serving the Lord, and he did so. Nor is he jealous of John’s place, but recognizes him in it by giving him a hint.

It is a good thing to ask believers of whom we know that they live close to the Lord and His Word what light they have received from Him on a particular matter. John does not think it is a stupid question and he does not say: ‘Ask it yourself.’ The disciples complement each other. Each receives from the Lord his own formation, place and service. It is good to have an eye for that and to accept and appreciate that of each other.

John then asks the question who it is. The Lord answers by referring to a symbolic act at the supper. He says it is him to whom He will give the morsel after He has dipped it. Because He speaks emphatically about ‘the’ morsel and not about ‘a’ morsel, it is assumed that it refers to the act by which a host opens the supper. He takes ‘the’ morsel and gives it to the most important person at the table. It is a gesture of honor. With this gesture of honor, the Lord with love and grace makes another attempt to speak to the heart of Judas to bring him back from his pernicious path. But also this tribute is rejected by Judas.

Then all barriers are gone for satan to enter Judas. This rejection is the third and final step in the fall of Judas who first came under the power of money (John 12:6), which then made him an instrument of satan to betray the Lord for money (John 13:2), and here satan enters into him. The ruler of the demons takes the lead personally.

The Lord tells Judas to act quickly. Satan now gets the opportunity to do what he has always wanted to do because now it is God’s time. Judas does not become evil just now. He was already evil because of his greed for money, to which he gave in at everyday temptations. The Lord completely knows the heart of Judas. That is why He tells him to do quickly what he has to do.

Still nobody suspects anything of what is going on in Judas. The Lord has given the disciples the clearest clue, but there is no mention in their agenda of a surrender of the Lord and His death. They simply do not take into account the fact of His surrender. Therefore, any reminder from Him in that direction passes them by. They find a practical explanation for His words. Judas just has to go and buy something, like he always did when something was needed. After all, he had the money box. Or he had to go and give something to the poor somewhere. Apparently the Lord gave the order for that more often.

Judas does not refuse the morsel. He knows that the Lord sees through him. After he has taken the morsel the Lord gave him, he immediately leaves the scene into the night. It is night around him, but even more it is night in his soul.

John 16:22

The Glorification

When the traitor has left, the Lord Jesus is alone with His own and free to begin His farewell speech. He is able to open His heart without restraints. To be able to get to know God’s thoughts or to carry them out, every obstacle must be removed. In His thoughts, the Lord Jesus moves to the cross, where He will be glorified as the Son of Man. He speaks as if it were happening at that moment, “now”, after the traitor had left.

He can already see the full result before Him. The ‘now’ here is the ‘now’ of the cross. What the traitor is going to do and do quickly contributes to the glorification of the Son of Man. This glorification takes place in the death He will suffer on the cross. Glorification means the complete demonstration of all the glorious qualities of Him as the true Man Who has always perfectly obeyed His God in everything. This has been apparent throughout His entire life, but will find its culmination and crowning on the cross.

On the cross every Divine and human excellence of His Being has come to complete unfolding. Everything He is as Man Who lived for the glory of God has found its crowning on the cross. His devotion and surrender were manifested there at its highest. There we see a Man, as God meant a man to be. At the same time, God is glorified in Him, for every excellence of God has come to light in Him on the cross.

In the death of the Son of Man, the revelation of God is brought to a climax. God is perfectly justified in His Being, in His nature. His righteousness, His majesty, His love, His truth, they are all fulfilled on the cross as they are in Him. It is the glory of the Son of Man to glorify God’s Name in the very place where the first man dishonored God.

God’s answer to the glorification with which the Son of Man glorified Him is the glorification of the Son of Man. This glorification will certainly also come about when the Son of Man has received all things from God to rule over them in the realm of peace. But God will not wait that long. He will also “glorify Him immediately” in the resurrection.

He will glorify the Son of Man as Christ by taking Him into heaven because of His work on the cross and giving Him the place of glory and honor at His right hand (Acts 2:36b; Hebrews 2:9). This means that Christ, until He will be revealed in glory on earth, will be hidden in God as the Glorified (Colossians 3:3). God glorified Him, not by giving Him the throne of David, an earthly glory, but by placing Him on His own (God’s) throne in heaven.

John 16:23

The Glorification

When the traitor has left, the Lord Jesus is alone with His own and free to begin His farewell speech. He is able to open His heart without restraints. To be able to get to know God’s thoughts or to carry them out, every obstacle must be removed. In His thoughts, the Lord Jesus moves to the cross, where He will be glorified as the Son of Man. He speaks as if it were happening at that moment, “now”, after the traitor had left.

He can already see the full result before Him. The ‘now’ here is the ‘now’ of the cross. What the traitor is going to do and do quickly contributes to the glorification of the Son of Man. This glorification takes place in the death He will suffer on the cross. Glorification means the complete demonstration of all the glorious qualities of Him as the true Man Who has always perfectly obeyed His God in everything. This has been apparent throughout His entire life, but will find its culmination and crowning on the cross.

On the cross every Divine and human excellence of His Being has come to complete unfolding. Everything He is as Man Who lived for the glory of God has found its crowning on the cross. His devotion and surrender were manifested there at its highest. There we see a Man, as God meant a man to be. At the same time, God is glorified in Him, for every excellence of God has come to light in Him on the cross.

In the death of the Son of Man, the revelation of God is brought to a climax. God is perfectly justified in His Being, in His nature. His righteousness, His majesty, His love, His truth, they are all fulfilled on the cross as they are in Him. It is the glory of the Son of Man to glorify God’s Name in the very place where the first man dishonored God.

God’s answer to the glorification with which the Son of Man glorified Him is the glorification of the Son of Man. This glorification will certainly also come about when the Son of Man has received all things from God to rule over them in the realm of peace. But God will not wait that long. He will also “glorify Him immediately” in the resurrection.

He will glorify the Son of Man as Christ by taking Him into heaven because of His work on the cross and giving Him the place of glory and honor at His right hand (Acts 2:36b; Hebrews 2:9). This means that Christ, until He will be revealed in glory on earth, will be hidden in God as the Glorified (Colossians 3:3). God glorified Him, not by giving Him the throne of David, an earthly glory, but by placing Him on His own (God’s) throne in heaven.

John 16:24

The New Commandment of Love

The Lord speaks to His disciples as “little children”. He does not say ’My’ children. They are not. Nowhere are believers called ‘children of the Lord Jesus’. He speaks to them as children of God. It is the name of sweet relationships and vulnerability. He will only be with them for a short time, because He will soon go to His Father. Just as He said to the Jews (John 7:34; John 8:21), He now also says to His disciples that they cannot come there. This is because He will go to an entirely different domain beyond this world. It is in the sphere of resurrection.

The Lord’s going to that new place is not without consequences for the relationships that exist on earth. The disciples cannot now follow Him to His new place. He wants to prepare them that they will not be able to follow Him for the time being. For the time they are still on earth, He points them to a new way of dealing with one another that is entirely appropriate to the atmosphere of the place where He is going. That new way is the love they will have among each other as children of God. The great characteristic of the family of God is love because God is love. While the Lord Jesus is surrounded by glory up there, the children of God on earth love each other.

When He will no longer be with them as the most important pillar against which they can lean and seek support in a hostile world, they must find this support among each other. They cannot support each other in their own strength, but in the efficacy of the new nature they have received from Him through faith in Him. That new nature is love. If they treat one another in this way, they will be known as disciples of Christ. What a testimony that will be!

This new duty, loving one another, results from a new relationship between Him Who is in heaven and those who are on earth. This will be a convincing proof to those around them that they are followers of Him. Their love among each other will bear witness to Him Who has shown this love perfectly in His life and in His death, and still does: an infallible love. Their love must be of His ‘material’ and after His model, so that this love will remain, even when He is gone.

This is not about the love for lost people, however important it may be, but about the selfless search for good for the brother and sister. It is about loving one another as disciples of Christ in accordance with His love. When He will have risen from the dead, these new connections will be established and become more and more visible.

What the Lord says here, He calls “a new commandment”, because it is about the brother, not about our neighbor. The commandment to love one’s neighbor belongs to the commandments of the Old Testament (Leviticus 19:18). These commandments are given in order to get life. The sinfulness of man has made this impossible.

The new thing about the commandment that the Lord gives is that He gives the life by which the disciples can love one another. The commandment is therefore a natural thing, we do it as a matter of course. It is a commandment that is true in Christ and has been realized by Him. And because He is our life, it is also true in us and can be fulfilled by us (1 John 2:8). This cannot be said of the law.

John 16:25

The New Commandment of Love

The Lord speaks to His disciples as “little children”. He does not say ’My’ children. They are not. Nowhere are believers called ‘children of the Lord Jesus’. He speaks to them as children of God. It is the name of sweet relationships and vulnerability. He will only be with them for a short time, because He will soon go to His Father. Just as He said to the Jews (John 7:34; John 8:21), He now also says to His disciples that they cannot come there. This is because He will go to an entirely different domain beyond this world. It is in the sphere of resurrection.

The Lord’s going to that new place is not without consequences for the relationships that exist on earth. The disciples cannot now follow Him to His new place. He wants to prepare them that they will not be able to follow Him for the time being. For the time they are still on earth, He points them to a new way of dealing with one another that is entirely appropriate to the atmosphere of the place where He is going. That new way is the love they will have among each other as children of God. The great characteristic of the family of God is love because God is love. While the Lord Jesus is surrounded by glory up there, the children of God on earth love each other.

When He will no longer be with them as the most important pillar against which they can lean and seek support in a hostile world, they must find this support among each other. They cannot support each other in their own strength, but in the efficacy of the new nature they have received from Him through faith in Him. That new nature is love. If they treat one another in this way, they will be known as disciples of Christ. What a testimony that will be!

This new duty, loving one another, results from a new relationship between Him Who is in heaven and those who are on earth. This will be a convincing proof to those around them that they are followers of Him. Their love among each other will bear witness to Him Who has shown this love perfectly in His life and in His death, and still does: an infallible love. Their love must be of His ‘material’ and after His model, so that this love will remain, even when He is gone.

This is not about the love for lost people, however important it may be, but about the selfless search for good for the brother and sister. It is about loving one another as disciples of Christ in accordance with His love. When He will have risen from the dead, these new connections will be established and become more and more visible.

What the Lord says here, He calls “a new commandment”, because it is about the brother, not about our neighbor. The commandment to love one’s neighbor belongs to the commandments of the Old Testament (Leviticus 19:18). These commandments are given in order to get life. The sinfulness of man has made this impossible.

The new thing about the commandment that the Lord gives is that He gives the life by which the disciples can love one another. The commandment is therefore a natural thing, we do it as a matter of course. It is a commandment that is true in Christ and has been realized by Him. And because He is our life, it is also true in us and can be fulfilled by us (1 John 2:8). This cannot be said of the law.

John 16:26

The New Commandment of Love

The Lord speaks to His disciples as “little children”. He does not say ’My’ children. They are not. Nowhere are believers called ‘children of the Lord Jesus’. He speaks to them as children of God. It is the name of sweet relationships and vulnerability. He will only be with them for a short time, because He will soon go to His Father. Just as He said to the Jews (John 7:34; John 8:21), He now also says to His disciples that they cannot come there. This is because He will go to an entirely different domain beyond this world. It is in the sphere of resurrection.

The Lord’s going to that new place is not without consequences for the relationships that exist on earth. The disciples cannot now follow Him to His new place. He wants to prepare them that they will not be able to follow Him for the time being. For the time they are still on earth, He points them to a new way of dealing with one another that is entirely appropriate to the atmosphere of the place where He is going. That new way is the love they will have among each other as children of God. The great characteristic of the family of God is love because God is love. While the Lord Jesus is surrounded by glory up there, the children of God on earth love each other.

When He will no longer be with them as the most important pillar against which they can lean and seek support in a hostile world, they must find this support among each other. They cannot support each other in their own strength, but in the efficacy of the new nature they have received from Him through faith in Him. That new nature is love. If they treat one another in this way, they will be known as disciples of Christ. What a testimony that will be!

This new duty, loving one another, results from a new relationship between Him Who is in heaven and those who are on earth. This will be a convincing proof to those around them that they are followers of Him. Their love among each other will bear witness to Him Who has shown this love perfectly in His life and in His death, and still does: an infallible love. Their love must be of His ‘material’ and after His model, so that this love will remain, even when He is gone.

This is not about the love for lost people, however important it may be, but about the selfless search for good for the brother and sister. It is about loving one another as disciples of Christ in accordance with His love. When He will have risen from the dead, these new connections will be established and become more and more visible.

What the Lord says here, He calls “a new commandment”, because it is about the brother, not about our neighbor. The commandment to love one’s neighbor belongs to the commandments of the Old Testament (Leviticus 19:18). These commandments are given in order to get life. The sinfulness of man has made this impossible.

The new thing about the commandment that the Lord gives is that He gives the life by which the disciples can love one another. The commandment is therefore a natural thing, we do it as a matter of course. It is a commandment that is true in Christ and has been realized by Him. And because He is our life, it is also true in us and can be fulfilled by us (1 John 2:8). This cannot be said of the law.

John 16:27

Peter’s Denial Foretold

What the Lord said about his going away raises the question with Peter as to where He is going. He asks Him about it. The Lord does not answer by mentioning the place where He is going, but by saying that Peter cannot follow Him there now. By this He means His inimitable work on the cross. Once He has completed His work on the cross, it will be possible to follow Him. Peter will follow Him later as a martyr in martyrdom to get where He is.

Peter doesn’t understand this either and he asks Him for it. He also adds that he is willing to follow the Lord even in death. Although Peter means well, it appears from his words that he doesn’t realize what he is saying. He really loves the Lord, but he doesn’t know himself well. If he had listened better, he would have accepted the Lord’s words, even if he had not understood everything. Not listening well brings us a lot of loss and also a lot of pain. We often have to learn through painful experiences, which we could have avoided had only our heart been more subdued.

The Lord does not praise Peter for his love for Him, but tells him what he will come to. The seriousness of this prediction is again preceded by the double “truly” followed by the authoritative “I say to you”. The three times repeated denial by Peter of his Master, prophesied by the Master, exalts the Master. He restores Peter in spite of his repeated denial by His marvelous grace. And what He is to Peter, He is no less to us.

John 16:28

Peter’s Denial Foretold

What the Lord said about his going away raises the question with Peter as to where He is going. He asks Him about it. The Lord does not answer by mentioning the place where He is going, but by saying that Peter cannot follow Him there now. By this He means His inimitable work on the cross. Once He has completed His work on the cross, it will be possible to follow Him. Peter will follow Him later as a martyr in martyrdom to get where He is.

Peter doesn’t understand this either and he asks Him for it. He also adds that he is willing to follow the Lord even in death. Although Peter means well, it appears from his words that he doesn’t realize what he is saying. He really loves the Lord, but he doesn’t know himself well. If he had listened better, he would have accepted the Lord’s words, even if he had not understood everything. Not listening well brings us a lot of loss and also a lot of pain. We often have to learn through painful experiences, which we could have avoided had only our heart been more subdued.

The Lord does not praise Peter for his love for Him, but tells him what he will come to. The seriousness of this prediction is again preceded by the double “truly” followed by the authoritative “I say to you”. The three times repeated denial by Peter of his Master, prophesied by the Master, exalts the Master. He restores Peter in spite of his repeated denial by His marvelous grace. And what He is to Peter, He is no less to us.

John 16:29

Peter’s Denial Foretold

What the Lord said about his going away raises the question with Peter as to where He is going. He asks Him about it. The Lord does not answer by mentioning the place where He is going, but by saying that Peter cannot follow Him there now. By this He means His inimitable work on the cross. Once He has completed His work on the cross, it will be possible to follow Him. Peter will follow Him later as a martyr in martyrdom to get where He is.

Peter doesn’t understand this either and he asks Him for it. He also adds that he is willing to follow the Lord even in death. Although Peter means well, it appears from his words that he doesn’t realize what he is saying. He really loves the Lord, but he doesn’t know himself well. If he had listened better, he would have accepted the Lord’s words, even if he had not understood everything. Not listening well brings us a lot of loss and also a lot of pain. We often have to learn through painful experiences, which we could have avoided had only our heart been more subdued.

The Lord does not praise Peter for his love for Him, but tells him what he will come to. The seriousness of this prediction is again preceded by the double “truly” followed by the authoritative “I say to you”. The three times repeated denial by Peter of his Master, prophesied by the Master, exalts the Master. He restores Peter in spite of his repeated denial by His marvelous grace. And what He is to Peter, He is no less to us.

John 16:31

The Lord Jesus Object of Faith.

The contrast between the subject or different subjects of this chapter and the last verses of the previous chapter is considerable. In those last verses the Lord Jesus foretold the denial by Peter. What Peter will do shows the impotence of the flesh to be faithful in any way, no matter how good the intentions.

Opposite to this failure of the flesh, the Lord gives seven consolations in this chapter for the weak faith of impotent disciples: 1. When He is no longer with the disciples, they can turn to Him in faith just as they believe in God (John 14:1). 2. He goes to prepare a place for them in the Father’s house (John 14:2). 3. He Himself will come back to pick them up to be where He is (John 14:3). 4. Until then, they will receive the full revelation of the Father in Him (John 14:4-12). 5. Until then, they will be His representatives in the world, where they may pray with the authority of His Name and therefore be answered (John 14:13-14). 6. In that time the Holy Spirit will come to be with them as Comforter and Teacher (John 14:15-26). 7. He gives them His peace (John 14:27-31).

The Lord himself has been troubled several times by seeing sin in its consequences (John 11:33; John 12:27; John 13:21). Now He tells His disciples that their heart needs not be troubled, that is, not moved intensely. He knows what He will do and what the consequences of His work will be and that they will be allowed to share in it. He has said to them that He will depart from them. That will sadden them, but He wants to direct their heart permanently to Himself.

Although He will no longer be physically present with them, He will still be there in the same way as God is. They believe in Him, but they will have to believe in Him in a completely new way. Just as God has always been an object of faith without ever having been seen, He will also become an object of faith when they will no longer see Him. He will go away from them, but still He will be present, just as God is present. They will no longer see Him, but will continue to believe in Him and love Him (1 Peter 1:8). With His going away, the era of faith will begin (Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 5:7).

John 16:32

The Father’s House

The Lord Jesus tells His disciples that His going to the Father is for a purpose. That purpose is to prepare a place for them where the Father is, in order to be where He is. He tells them that He is going to “My Father’s house”. By this He does not mean the temple, which He also called “My Father’s house” (John 2:16). The temple, however, has been defiled by the people. They have turned it into a place of business. That is why God had to reject that house.

The Lord speaks here about the house of the Father in heaven. He says that it is a house with “many dwelling places”. And also the temple had multiple dwelling places. This is where the priests who served there lived (1 Kings 6:5; Ezekiel 41:6; Ezekiel 42:1-13). This shows that the temple was not only a place for God, but also for the priests. These were dwelling places for just a small part of the people.

The house of the Father has no limitations. The Lord presents it in its glorious spaciousness. Not only the Father and the Son live there, but there is room for all of His own, without distinction. The fact that the Father’s house has “dwelling places” shows the enduring stay of the believers in it. They do not just come there every now and then, but they are welcome to dwell there.

To underline the certainty of His words to the disciples, the Lord says that He would not have said so if it had not been true. He would not create hope if He were unable to fulfill that hope for His own. In order to provide them with that place He is already going there. It is necessary, because without His preparation they will not be able to get there.

In this Gospel, the Lord speaks about the future for His own in a quite different way than in the other Gospels. There He speaks about the future just before His being surrendered. There it always refers to the earth and His return to earth. He also speaks there about a reward for faithfulness during His absence. Of that we find nothing in this Gospel.

It is about the Father’s house and not about crowns, cities or a place in the kingdom. There is also no distinction between a larger or a nicer room here. There are many dwelling places, there is a dwelling place for every believer. This is the result of the love of the Father and the Son, a love that can never ever disappoint.

The disciples have given up everything to be with the Messiah on earth and to receive everything from Him. Now He will leave them. Will they all lose that when He will leave? No, on the contrary. They will get much more. He will go away and prepare an even more profound relationship and a much more superior dwelling place where death has no access. In order to make that wonderful place accessible to them, He must go to the cross. Through His work on the cross and His resurrection He will open the Father’s house for people who otherwise could never come there because of their sins.

Something else is also needed to prepare a place for people in the Father’s house. No one has ever been in the Father’s house. To open up the possibility for men to come there, it is necessary that He enters the Father’s house as Man. Since His ascension there is a Man in the Father’ s house. The magnificent consequence of His presence there as Man is that this guarantees that men can enter the Father’s house.

Once the Lord has prepared a place for His own, He can then make the promise that He will come back to receive them to Himself, so that they too may be where He is. The tremendous blessing of the Father’s house is not just a beautiful dwelling place, but it is the place of which He says: “Where I am.” It is also the great blessing of paradise where the fallen asleep believers are (Philippians 1:23).

It is remarkable that the Lord does not speak of a certain time that would elapse between His going to prepare a place and His coming back to receive His own to Himself. He says it, as it were, in one breath, so without pause: “When I have gone and prepared your place, I will come back.”

In the same sense, Paul also spoke about the coming of the Lord when he says: “We who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:15). The fact that in the meantime almost two thousand years have passed without Him coming back has to do with His “patience toward you, not wishing for any to perish” (2 Peter 3:9).

The moment will come when the believers will enter there. This is not when a believer dies. In that case the angels will come and bring him into paradise (Luke 16:22). But here He promises that He will personally come to take up the believers and receive them to Himself (1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; Philippians 3:20-21), while the living unbelievers remain on earth and the unbelievers who have died will not rise from the dead, but will remain in the tomb.

John 16:33

The Father’s House

The Lord Jesus tells His disciples that His going to the Father is for a purpose. That purpose is to prepare a place for them where the Father is, in order to be where He is. He tells them that He is going to “My Father’s house”. By this He does not mean the temple, which He also called “My Father’s house” (John 2:16). The temple, however, has been defiled by the people. They have turned it into a place of business. That is why God had to reject that house.

The Lord speaks here about the house of the Father in heaven. He says that it is a house with “many dwelling places”. And also the temple had multiple dwelling places. This is where the priests who served there lived (1 Kings 6:5; Ezekiel 41:6; Ezekiel 42:1-13). This shows that the temple was not only a place for God, but also for the priests. These were dwelling places for just a small part of the people.

The house of the Father has no limitations. The Lord presents it in its glorious spaciousness. Not only the Father and the Son live there, but there is room for all of His own, without distinction. The fact that the Father’s house has “dwelling places” shows the enduring stay of the believers in it. They do not just come there every now and then, but they are welcome to dwell there.

To underline the certainty of His words to the disciples, the Lord says that He would not have said so if it had not been true. He would not create hope if He were unable to fulfill that hope for His own. In order to provide them with that place He is already going there. It is necessary, because without His preparation they will not be able to get there.

In this Gospel, the Lord speaks about the future for His own in a quite different way than in the other Gospels. There He speaks about the future just before His being surrendered. There it always refers to the earth and His return to earth. He also speaks there about a reward for faithfulness during His absence. Of that we find nothing in this Gospel.

It is about the Father’s house and not about crowns, cities or a place in the kingdom. There is also no distinction between a larger or a nicer room here. There are many dwelling places, there is a dwelling place for every believer. This is the result of the love of the Father and the Son, a love that can never ever disappoint.

The disciples have given up everything to be with the Messiah on earth and to receive everything from Him. Now He will leave them. Will they all lose that when He will leave? No, on the contrary. They will get much more. He will go away and prepare an even more profound relationship and a much more superior dwelling place where death has no access. In order to make that wonderful place accessible to them, He must go to the cross. Through His work on the cross and His resurrection He will open the Father’s house for people who otherwise could never come there because of their sins.

Something else is also needed to prepare a place for people in the Father’s house. No one has ever been in the Father’s house. To open up the possibility for men to come there, it is necessary that He enters the Father’s house as Man. Since His ascension there is a Man in the Father’ s house. The magnificent consequence of His presence there as Man is that this guarantees that men can enter the Father’s house.

Once the Lord has prepared a place for His own, He can then make the promise that He will come back to receive them to Himself, so that they too may be where He is. The tremendous blessing of the Father’s house is not just a beautiful dwelling place, but it is the place of which He says: “Where I am.” It is also the great blessing of paradise where the fallen asleep believers are (Philippians 1:23).

It is remarkable that the Lord does not speak of a certain time that would elapse between His going to prepare a place and His coming back to receive His own to Himself. He says it, as it were, in one breath, so without pause: “When I have gone and prepared your place, I will come back.”

In the same sense, Paul also spoke about the coming of the Lord when he says: “We who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:15). The fact that in the meantime almost two thousand years have passed without Him coming back has to do with His “patience toward you, not wishing for any to perish” (2 Peter 3:9).

The moment will come when the believers will enter there. This is not when a believer dies. In that case the angels will come and bring him into paradise (Luke 16:22). But here He promises that He will personally come to take up the believers and receive them to Himself (1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; Philippians 3:20-21), while the living unbelievers remain on earth and the unbelievers who have died will not rise from the dead, but will remain in the tomb.