THURSDAY- 4^TH WEEK OF EASTER -B

I Reading: Acts 13:13-25: God has raised up one of David’s descendants, Jesus, as Saviour.

Gospel: John 13:16-20: Whoever welcomes the one I send welcomes me.

The Prediction of the Betrayer: A Picture of Apostasy, 13:18-30

This is a clear picture of betrayal and apostasy, of a man who turns away from Christ to the world. It stands as a strong warning to every person who professes to follow Christ.

1. There is the heartbreak of betrayal (v.18)

a. A betrayer is not chosen

b. Betrayer is of the basest sort: eats with, yet turns away

2. There is the prediction of betrayal (v.19-20)

a. To assure that Jesus is the Messiah

b. To strengthen the dignity of the Lord’s call

c. To give assurance of God’s indwelling presence

3. There is the last chance given to the betrayer (v.21-26)

a. The betrayer’s presence exposed

b. Jesus’ distress

c. The disciples’ perplexity, nervousness and self-consciousness

d. Peter’s gesture for John to inquire further

e. John’s inquiry

f. Jesus’ indirect and merciful identification: the giving of a last chance

4. There is the warning against betrayal (v.27-30)

a. The evil possession

b. The charge: Act now

c. The deceiving of the disciples by the betrayer

d. The judgement: seen in the betrayer being separated immediately

Thought: The more a person thinks about sinning, the more likely he/she is to turn back.

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