Psalm 41:9
Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me. (NIV)
Today’s Reading: Psalm 41 and John 13:18-30
Psalm 41 is another psalm that can be read as if from the lips of Christ. We see much of the same themes as we have studies thus far in psalms. Jesus speaks of his enemies wanting him dead saying, “When will he die and his name perish?” (Ps 41:5).
But we are introduced to a new prophecy by the psalmist – a betrayal. As we know, Judas Iscariot betrays Jesus. Jesus is in the Upper Room with his disciples celebrating the Passover meal. Jesus washes his disciples feet as recorded by John in chapter 13.
After this lesson in service, Jesus then says, “I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill this passage of Scripture: ‘He who shared my bread has turned against me’” (John 13:18).
The passage of Scripture that Jesus quotes is Psalm 41:9. This is one of three places where Judas’ betrayal is predicted in the Old Testament.
Backing up to verse seven in our psalm, you can almost see the full betrayal unfolding. “All my enemies whisper together against me; they imagine the worst for me” (Ps 40:7). This could be an accurate description of Judas’ visit with the Pharisees as they plot for Judas to hand Jesus over to them.
As usual, Jesus’ response to his enemies is to turn to God for rescue in verses ten through thirteen. Jesus knows God is pleased with him and his enemies will not prevail. And also as usual, Jesus praises God because he will be in God’s presence forever.
I’ve always been intrigued by the dynamic between Judas and Jesus, particularly from Jesus’ perspective. Jesus knew Judas would betray him, but when did he know? Did he know from the moment he met Judas it would be him or possibly even before then? Or did he not realize it would be Judas until closer to the crucifixion?
I find their relationship more interesting had Jesus known from the beginning that it would be Judas as his betrayer. And I tend to think this was the case. It would be more fitting of our Savior to pour several years of love, friendship, time and attention into the very person that would turn against him in the end.
Even though Judas was an enemy inside the camp, Jesus would treat him no differently than any of his other disciples. Even his disciples had no idea who the betrayer would be when Jesus told them in the Upper Room because Jesus had treated them all the same. His love for Judas wasn’t affected by the fact that Judas in the end would turn on him. That too is amazing grace.
Christ in the Old Testament 
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