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Scriptures from the Holy Bible, King James (Authorised) Version of 1611
Gospel of John, chapter 13, verses 21 to 30




21 When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. 22 Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake. 23 Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. 25 He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? 26 Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.

27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. 28 Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him. 29 For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor. 30 He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.

Holy Bible -- King James Version


Selah (Pause, and consider these things)
By Leonard L Hamilton Jr, Encouraging Words Ministries

O! how the wonder of God is to be considered! Here we have Jesus and His disciples- as close a group as can be imagined, dining and sharing with one another. Jesus has just revealed that He is to be betrayed, and His disciples, awestruck, rapt in full attention, plead to know the traitor's name and become suspicious even of one another. Immediately, as Jesus told them who it would be, they are as men dumbstruck and senseless. They forget the question and their angst, and think Jesus has sent Judas out on a simple task. Well, that's true - but what a task! It did not serve the purposes of God for the disciples to know and react. So why did Jesus tell his friends who would betray Him?

There were, and are, those who heard and realize the dire truth. Do you know who? It is you and I, and others, for thousands of years.

It did not suit the purposes of God for the loyal disciples to know the answer to their question. I see it as a way that He works in our lives, as He has often and always worked in people's lives. We pray, plead, desire to know answers to our questions. God in His wisdom answers us as we are able to hear. But He sometimes allows others to hear for us, for purposes suitable to Him and His plans. There are those who think God doesn't always answer prayers, but He always does. Sometimes He says "no" or "not just yet" or some other thing.

But this passage from John is one of the clearest examples I have found that God answers prayer- in His own way and His own time. Listen carefully to the Word of God. He speaks to us all. Is God speaking to you about someone who is looking for Him today? Heed the call.

Your Invitation

You have heard the Word, probably all of your life if you have lived in many parts of the world. In some parts of the world it may seem strange to hear that the God of the universe loves you and sent His Son to die that you may come back to Him for all eternity. You cannot work for or earn a place in heaven; you cannot buy, in any way, shape, or form, a place in heaven. Only by believing in the only begotten Son of God can you gain eternal happiness and peace. Follow this link to learn more. May peace be to you, my friend. Prayers for your salvation and/or encouragement in the Lord are being presented to God by earnest believers around the world right this very moment.

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