Sermons

John 13:18-30 “Treachery and Sin"

2025-04-13
Craig Barnett

Treachery Exposed

 

 

The Sorrowful Fulfillment of Betrayal and the Purity Christ Provides

 

Sin deceives, wounds, and corrupts. In John 13, the treachery of Judas unveils the devastating reality of betrayal—even among close friends. Yet Christ responds not with vengeance, but with divine purpose—to purify His bride through mercy and truth.

 

Betrayal Foretold


In John 13:18–30, we are brought face to face with the painful truth that sin often strikes through intimate relationships. Judas, chosen among the Twelve, sits at the table with Jesus—and betrays Him. This wasn't a surprise to our Lord. Jesus quotes Psalm 41:9, showing that this act of treachery had long been prophesied. Judas is not merely a misguided man; he is a vessel fulfilling a dreadful role in redemptive history.

 

Betrayal Felt


Treachery isn’t abstract—it wounds personally. Jesus, fully man and fully God, expresses sorrow. Psalm 55 speaks of betrayal by a companion, a close friend, a familiar face. Christ felt the sting, yet bore it in full obedience. His suffering reveals that no human pain is foreign to Him. He is our merciful High Priest (Hebrews 2:17-18).


Betrayal Purified


Yet this passage is not devoid of hope. In facing betrayal, Christ also reveals His purpose—to purify His people. As Ephesians 5:25-27 proclaims, He gave Himself to cleanse the church. Treachery must not be tolerated or excused—it must be exposed, dealt with, and washed away by the blood of Christ. We are exhorted to examine ourselves (Hebrews 12:15), pursue holiness, and restore the sinning brother (Matthew 18:15-18) with truth and grace.

 

Key Verses:

 

  1. John 13:18 (LSB) "The one who eats My bread has lifted up his heel against Me."
     
  2. Psalm 41:9 (LSB) "Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me."
     
  3. Ephesians 5:25-27 (LSB) "...that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word..."
     
  4. Hebrews 2:17-18 (LSB) "...to make propitiation for the sins of the people.".

 

Key Words:

 

  1. Treachery: Deliberate betrayal, especially by a close companion.
     
  2. Purify: To cleanse from moral or spiritual defilement.
     
  3. Prophecy: Foretelling future events under divine inspiration.
     
  4. Wrath: God’s holy and just response to sin.
     
  5. Sanctify: To set apart for holiness, cleanse from sin.
     
  6. High Priest: Jesus as the mediator who intercedes for and atones on behalf of His people.

 

Key People

 

  1. Jesus Christ: The betrayed Savior who knowingly endured the cross for our purification.
     
  2. Judas Iscariot: The disciple who betrayed Christ, fulfilling prophetic Scripture.
     
  3. David: Author of Psalm 41 and 55, whose personal betrayals prefigure Christ's.
     
  4. Zechariah: Prophet whose words about thirty pieces of silver point to Judas’s betrayal.

 

 

From Betrayal to Purification


The narrative of Judas does not end in despair for the believer. Though betrayal is real and sin is grievous, Christ's redemptive work transforms tragedy into triumph. From here, we must examine what this message meant for its original hearers—and how it still speaks powerfully to us today.

 

Original Audience Message:

 

  1. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus' betrayal was not accidental; it was foretold in Scripture (Psalm 41, Zechariah 11).
     
  2. Christ’s Foreknowledge: Jesus, fully in control, revealed His deity and mission.
     
  3. Moral Clarity: Sin within the closest circles of fellowship must be confronted and not ignored.
     
  4. Purification through Christ: God’s wrath against sin, as in Genesis 6–7, requires a cleansing only Christ provides.

 

Applications for Believers Today

 

  1. Examine the Heart: Search for hidden sin (Psalm 139:23-24).
     
  2. Beware of False Fellowship: Proximity to Christ does not equate to saving faith (John 13:26-27).
     
  3. Confront Treachery Biblically: Handle church discipline with compassion and clarity (Matthew 18:15-18).
     
  4. Trust God's Sovereignty: Even betrayal serves His redemptive purpose.
     
  5. Celebrate Christ’s Mercy: He cleanses us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
     
  6. Treasure the Church’s Purity: Christ died to make His bride holy (Ephesians 5:25-27).

 

Grace in the Shadow of Betrayal


Betrayal is bitter—but it is not beyond the reach of grace. Judas walked in the light of Christ, yet chose darkness. His treachery fulfilled Scripture, but it did not thwart God's plan. In fact, it revealed it.


Christ was not a victim of circumstance; He was the sovereign Lord, moving resolutely toward the cross. His love for His own did not waver, even when surrounded by deceit. In the shadow of betrayal, He extended grace—not only to the faithful few but to all who would believe.


As we reflect on our own hearts, we must ask: Have we lifted our heel, even subtly, against the Lord who loved us? And do we see His grace as sufficient to cleanse us still?


In the shadow of betrayal shines the light of mercy. Christ, betrayed and crucified, is also Christ, risen and reigning—purifying for Himself a people zealous for good works.

 

 

 

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