John 13:26 - Jesus therefore answered, “It is he to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.

Generated Verse: John 13:26

What does "John 13:26" mean?


This verse from John 13:26 is part of the Last Supper narrative and holds significant symbolic meaning. Let's break it down:

"Jesus therefore answered, 'It is he to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it.'" - Jesus responds to the unspoken (or softly spoken, according to some interpretations) question from the disciples about who would betray him. He doesn't directly name Judas outright to the entire group, but gives a sign.
"So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot." - Jesus then carries out the action he described. He dips a piece of bread (likely a piece of unleavened bread used during Passover) and offers it to Judas.

Meaning and Significance:

Identification of the Betrayer: This act identifies Judas as the one who will betray Jesus. While the other disciples may not have fully understood the meaning at the time, it was a clear sign for those who had ears to hear.
Sign of Grace Offered, Rejected: In that culture, offering someone a piece of dipped bread (a morsel) was a sign of honor, friendship, and shared fellowship. Jesus, knowing Judas's intentions, still offers him this token of grace and intimacy. This highlights Jesus's love even for his betrayer. Judas, however, ultimately rejects this offer of grace, continuing on his chosen path.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus's betrayal was foretold in the Old Testament prophecies, and this action sets in motion the events leading to his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension.
Deliberate Action: It emphasizes that Jesus is in control of the situation. He knows what's coming, and he deliberately identifies Judas. This underscores his divine knowledge and his willingness to fulfill his mission.
Judas' Responsibility: Despite Jesus' offer of grace, Judas is still fully responsible for his actions. He willingly chooses to betray Jesus, even after receiving this specific sign.

In summary:

This verse is a pivotal moment in the Last Supper narrative. It identifies Judas as the betrayer, highlights Jesus's offer of grace even to those who oppose him, and sets the stage for the events of the Passion Week. It showcases both Jesus's divine knowledge and Judas's free will.

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