March 19, 2008
(Wednesday in Holy Week)
Beloved Disciples
By
The Very Rev. Terry White,
Dean
Isaiah 50:4-9a • Psalm 70 • Hebrews 12:1-3 • John 13:21-32
(From The Lectionary Page)
Throughout the
telling of the events of the Passion recorded in John’s gospel, it
is made clear to the reader that God is in control. Nothing takes
place which is not ordained by God; indeed, each step glorifies the
Son of Man, and God is glorified in him.
On the one hand, Jesus is clearly presiding not only at this meal
but over the events at hand. He says that he will be betrayed, and
even sets the betrayal in motion by offering Judas a piece of bread.
Yet, at this meal, Jesus is troubled in spirit, for close at hand is
unbelief and evil.
The act of offering a morsel of bread to a guest is a sign of
hospitality, affection, and esteem. Judas is unable to return the
affection. Jesus is still in control, John would have us understand,
and he gives Judas leave to do what he is going to do. In fact, it
is almost as if Jesus blesses him or commissions him to carry out
his betrayal. Judas leaves the table and immediately goes out. John
writes, “And it was night.” This is not merely a mention of the time
of day, but an indication of the darkness and betrayal which
possessed Judas. Yet this passage concludes with the post-Easter
message that even in this darkness, God will be glorified in Jesus.
In contrast to Judas, we encounter the “Beloved Disciple,” never
clearly identified, though thought by many to be John. Jesus also
offers this disciple hospitality, affection and esteem by placing
him at the seat of honor at the meal, and in contrast to Judas, the
Beloved Disciple accepts. Judas represents the powers of darkness
and unbelief that oppose Jesus, and the Beloved Disciple stands for
all faithful disciples.
Through Baptism, we are made Beloved Disciples. At every Eucharist,
we are given a place of honor and offered hospitality, affection,
and esteem. As we face the temptation of darkness, let us always
“consider him who endured such hostility against himself from
sinners, so that [we] may not grow weary or lose heart.”