John 13:27-30 — Into the Darkness — Aneel Aranha

Hello and welcome to the Bite-Sized Gospel. Today, we will reflect on a few verses from John 13:27-30. Listen.

As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, "What you are about to do, do quickly." But no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor. As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.

“As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him." These chilling words remind us of the spiritual warfare that rages around us and within us. There is an eternal struggle between light and darkness, a reminder of the unseen spiritual battles that influence our every decision.

Jesus' response to Judas is intriguing. He doesn't try to stop him or expose him to the other disciples. Instead, he tells him to do what he's about to do quickly. There's a sense of inevitability here. Jesus knows that his betrayal is part of God's plan, painful as it is.

The other disciples are confused by this exchange. They don't understand the significance of what's happening. Some think Jesus is giving Judas instructions about festival preparations or charitable giving. This misunderstanding highlights the fact that God's ways are often beyond our human comprehension.

The passage ends with the somber words, “And it was night.” This is not just a description of the time of day. It’s a powerful metaphor. Judas is stepping out into spiritual darkness, turning his back on the light of the world.

As we reflect on this passage, let's ask ourselves: Are there times when we, like Judas, are tempted to turn away from Jesus? How can we stay faithful, even in the face of spiritual darkness?

God bless you.