In John 13, we are taken to the Last Supper, a poignant scene of deep significance. During this Passover meal, Jesus performs an extraordinary act of humility by washing the feet of his disciples, including Judas, the one who would betray him. This Daily Devotional raises a profound question: was Satan present at this sacred event? As we delve into John 13, we find compelling evidence that suggests his insidious influence was indeed at play. To reflect on your life’s purpose, read the Daily Devotional on John 12.
What Is the Message of John 13?
Reflecting on personal readings of John 13 over the years, the author notes the persistent theme of thanksgiving and gratitude juxtaposed with the spiritual gravity of the Last Supper. Entries from 1990 and 2005 highlight a journey through understanding the depth of Jesus’ actions and the presence of Satan’s influence on Judas. By 2018, a clearer picture emerges: Satan’s active role in Judas’ betrayal is unmistakable, even as Jesus demonstrates ultimate love and servitude. These reflections emphasize the vulnerability of even the closest followers to Satan’s deceptions, underscoring the need for vigilance and prayer.
How to Deflect Satan
The narrative of John 13 serves as a powerful reminder of the dual presence of divine love and satanic temptation. Jesus, fully aware of his mission and impending betrayal, continues to teach his disciples about love and servanthood. Despite Satan’s presence and influence, particularly over Judas, Jesus’ command to “love one another” stands as the antidote to evil. This chapter calls believers to recognize the ever-present threat of Satan while committing to the transformative power of Christ-like love.
What Is the Last Supper?
In John 13, we are at the Passover dinner, the Last Supper, where Jesus washes the disciples’ feet, even the one who will betray him. Was Satan there that night? Please read or listen to John 13.
John 13 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
In 1990, I read John 13 on Thanksgiving. I wrote about Thanksgiving in my personal Bible reading journal, “What a great holiday. Timeout to give thanks to God for all His blessings, for our nation and freedom, for each other. No gifts. No cards. Just family gatherings and thanks, celebrating the goodness of life.”
In 1990, I read John 13 on Thanksgiving. I wrote about Thanksgiving in my personal Bible reading journal, “What a great holiday. Timeout to give thanks to God for all His blessings, for our nation and freedom, for each other. No gifts. No cards. Just family gatherings and thanks, celebrating the goodness of life.”
John 13:34-35
On to John 13 (NASB), “Jesus washes disciples’ feet. Be a master. Be a servant. Never rise above others. Concerning verse 19, Jesus knows the future events of His life. Verse 21, Jesus has a troubled spirit. He was emotional. Verse 34, ‘new commandment . . . love one another . . . as I have loved you’. And verse 35, by love shall we be known.”
In 2005 (NASB), I read John 13 and wrote, “Judas was on the inside. He knew Jesus intimately, yet he still fell away. Satan got to Judas, one of the closest to Jesus. ‘The devil . . . already put it (in) the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him,’ (v. 2). ‘Satan then entered into him’ (v. 27). If Judas, so close to Jesus, could fall, how about us? We are so vulnerable to Satan’s lies we need to pray too, ‘Resist the devil, and he will flee from you’ (James 4:7). God keep me close to You. Holy Spirit, empower me so I stay close to God, and keep me from temptation and falling.”
Love One Another
In 2018, I also notice John 13 was also on Thanksgiving, but I did not write anything about Thanksgiving that year. I just wrote about John 13. “‘The devil . . . already put it into the heart of Judas . . . to betray (Jesus)’ (v. 2), and Satan entered into Judas right there, at the Last Supper, in the presence of Jesus, according to verse 27. Satan was at the Last Supper!” I continued to write, “Was washing the feet of His disciples an expression of love or servanthood? We are to love one another. He said that after Judas was gone.” Then I referred to Peter as “Bold Peter.”
Let’s take a look at John 13. Verse 3 says, “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God”. That is the statement made right before He washes the disciples’ feet. We said earlier in John, He knew His purpose. He sojourned on the earth for over thirty years and now that purpose is about to come to pass. His purpose was written in the Word because Jesus Himself says, “But the Scripture will be fulfilled” (v. 18). He emphasizes it again in verse 19, “I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he.”
Yet, in the midst of this very intimate occasion with his very close disciples, Satan is there; hard to believe. Go back to verse 2, “During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him”. Satan had already been working on Judas. But here, in this very intimate occasion, “Satan entered into him” (v. 27). That is why I say Satan was at the Last Supper. Amazing!
Can Satan and Jesus Be in the Same Place?
Can Satan and Jesus be in the same place? Well, I think this passage says yes. We know the Scripture says he hovers “around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). We know that same night, Satan came knocking on Peter’s door because Jesus said, “Simon, Simon, behold Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail” (Luke 22:31-32). So, there was Satan among the twelve apostles, Jesus’ closest friends on earth.
How do we deflect Satan? Jesus tells us that new commandment, “love one another . . . By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (vs. 34-35).
The practical application from this chapter is you cannot take Satan for granted, no matter how long you have been a Christian. Yes, the Holy Spirit lives within each one of us who have given our lives to the Lord. All the way back in Genesis 4, the story of Cain and Abel, we are reminded, “sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you but you must rule over it” (Genesis 4:7). Defeat Satan. Rule over Satan by loving one another. Let’s pray.
Prayer to Help Us Love Others
Father, we thank You for the example given to us here about Jesus’ servant leadership. The King of kings and Lord of lords bows down and washes the feet of His disciples. What a tremendous example of love and servant leadership. He even washed the feet of Judas, His betrayer. Lord, we ask for that kind of love. Thanks, too, for the reminder Satan hovers around us, as he did there at the Last Supper. We pray, Holy Spirit, that You put a shield of protection around us. Please do not let Satan enter us like he did Judas. And, Lord, thank You for the reminder to love one another. May people know us as Christ-followers by our love for one another. Strengthen us, we pray. In Jesus’ name, amen.
