Thoughts on the Gospel of John (35) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

Jesus answered them, Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray him, being one of the twelve. After these things Jesus walked in Galilee, for he did not want to walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill him.
John 6:70-7:1.

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (35)
How the Lord Jesus must have rejoiced when His disciples told Him that they intended to stand by Him! They said: "We have come to believe and know that you are the Christ", the Holy One of God (v. 69). Yet they had to remember that it was not their initiative, for Jesus had appointed the twelve as His disciples. "You did not choose me, but I chose you", He told His disciples at a later date (John 15:16).

Jesus had prayed the whole night before choosing His disciples, "whom he also named apostles" (Luke 6:12.13). These twelve were very different and by no means the noblest of men. That Jesus included Judas Iscariot in His choice must be understood as particular grace. He knew from the outset that Judas was "a devil" (v. 70).

Judas remained a man, of course; he was not a wicked angel. The tragic side of his character was that the devil had him in his grip, although Judas was in a close relationship with Jesus for over three years. He eventually betrayed Jesus and came to a terrible end.

Imagine you had been one of the twelve! Wouldn't you have felt exceedingly privileged and secure? Yet even in such a circle one is capable of the greatest crime. Jesus alone can grant security, if one is so enthralled by Him, as described in our chapter. Whoever has received Christ into his heart will feed on Him daily. That will make Him the content of our lives (cf. Philippians 1:21).

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today's reading: Jonah 1:1-17 · Proverbs 26:10-19