Joh 13:23-30 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 23. Leaning on Jesus' bosom . This does not mean that he was at that time actually lying on his bosom, but that he occupied a situation next to him at the table, so that his head naturally fell back on his bosom when he spoke to him. . Whom Jesus loved . This was doubtless John himself. The evangelists are not accustomed to mention their own names when any mark of favour or any good deed is recorded. They did not seek publicity or notoriety. In this case the appellation is more tender and honourable than any mere name . John was admitted to peculiar friendship, perhaps, because the natural disposition of our Saviour was more nearly like the amiableness and mildness of John than any of the other disciples (Robert Hall). The highest honour that can be conferred on any man is to say that Jesus loved him . Yet this is an honour which all may possess, but which none can inherit without his spirit and without loving him. It is an honour which cannot be won by wealth or learning, by beauty or accomplishments, by rank or earthly honours, but only by the possession of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price, ; comp. . (r) "one of his disciples"

John 13:23-30

Verse 23. Leaning on Jesus' bosom. This does not mean that he was at that time actually lying on his bosom, but that he occupied a situation next to him at the table, so that his head naturally fell back on his bosom when he spoke to him. Mt 23:6.

Whom Jesus loved. This was doubtless John himself. The evangelists are not accustomed to mention their own names when any mark of favour or any good deed is recorded. They did not seek publicity or notoriety. In this case the appellation is more tender and honourable than any mere name. John was admitted to peculiar friendship, perhaps, because the natural disposition of our Saviour was more nearly like the amiableness and mildness of John than any of the other disciples (Robert Hall). The highest honour that can be conferred on any man is to say that Jesus loved him. Yet this is an honour which all may possess, but which none can inherit without his spirit and without loving him. It is an honour which cannot be won by wealth or learning, by beauty or accomplishments, by rank or earthly honours, but only by the possession of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price, 1Pet 3:4; comp. Rev 8:9.

(r) "one of his disciples" Jn 20:2, 21:7,20 Verse 25. He then lying on Jesus' breast. This a different word from the one rendered Jn 13:23 leaning. It means falling back or laid his head back on the bosom of Jesus, so that he could speak to him privately without being heard by the others. Verse 26. Jesus answered. That is, he answered John. It does not appear that either Judas or the other apostles heard him.

Shall give a sop. The word translated sop means a morsel, a piece of bread, or anything else eaten--as much as we are accustomed to take at a mouthful. Jesus was about to dip it in the sauce which was used at the Passover. The word dip, in the original, is that from which is derived the word baptize. It means here that Jesus would dip it into the sauce as we do a piece of bread. It is probable that it was not an unusual thing for the master of a feast to help others in this way, as it does not appear to have attracted the attention of the others as at all remarkable. It was an indication to John who the betrayer was, and a hint which Judas also probably understood.

(3) "sop" or, "morsel" Verse 27. After the sop. After he had taken and probably eaten it. By this Judas saw that Jesus knew his design, and that he could not conceal his plan. He saw, also, that the other disciples would be acquainted with it; and, aroused by sudden anger, or with the apprehension that he should lose his reward, or that Jesus might escape, he resolved on executing his plan at once.

Satan entered into him. The devil had before this put it into his heart to betray Jesus (Jn 13:2), but he now excited him to a more decided purpose. See Lk 22:3, Acts 5:3. "Why hath Satan filled thine heart," &c.

What thou doest, do quickly. This showed to Judas that Jesus was acquainted with his design. He did not command him to betray him, but he left him to his own purpose. He had used means enough to reclaim him and lead him to a holy life, and now he brought him to a decision. He gave him to understand that he was acquainted with his plan, and submitted it to the conscience of Judas to do quickly what he would do. If he relented, he called on him to do it at once. If he could still pursue his wicked plan, could go forward when he was conscious that the Saviour knew his design, he was to do it at once. God adopts all means to bring men to a decision. He calls upon them to act decisively, firmly, immediately. He does not allow them the privilege to deliberate about wicked deeds, but calls on them to act at once, and to show whether they will obey or disobey him; whether they will serve him, or whether they will betray his cause. He knows all their plans, as Jesus did that of Judas, and he calls on men to act under the full conviction that he knows all their soul. Sin thus is a vast evil. When men can sin knowing that God sees it all, it shows that the heart is fully set in them to do evil, and that there is nothing that will restrain them. Verses 28,29. No man at the table knew. This shows that Jesus had signified to John only who it was that should betray him.

The bag. The travelling-bag in which they put their common property. Jn 12:6.

Have need of against the feast. The feast continued seven days, and they supposed that Jesus had directed him to make preparation for their wants on those days. Verse 29.

(t) "Judas" Jn 12:6 Verse 30. If was night. It was in the evening, or early part of the night. What is recorded in the following chapters took place in the same night.