Today’s passage narrates the conversation between Jesus and his disciples before his crucifixion. Jesus practically showed his disciples his love and acts of humility by washing their feet (vv. 4-17). However, He was troubled in the Spirit that despite the outpouring of love and hospitality to his disciple, one of them “has lifted his heel against him (v.18). Referring to Psalm 41: 9, Jesus showed his outright dismay that the prophecy of his betrayal could be fulfilled through one of his disciples taking cruel advantage of his affection and cordiality.
It is revealing that the devil put it in the heart of Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus (v.2). This showed us that the problem of Judas Iscariot was his heart. He showed outward commitment to jesus but inwardly, he rejected Jesus as his Lord and allowed the devil to take hold of his heart. He hardened his heart despite several chances given him to repent. The heart is the central focus of the enemy, and once it is conquered, life is gone. This is the reason we are called to guard our hearts against the attack of the enemy. Who rules your heart? Are you working against Jesus’ Will for you? While Judas was throwing away his loyalty to Jesus, Peter was reaffirming his loyalty (v.37). We must be ready to affirm our loyalty to Jesus daily and renew our commitment.