18 “I am not saying these things to all of you; I know the ones I have chosen. But this fulfills the Scripture that says, ‘The one who eats my food has turned against me.’ 19 I tell you this beforehand, so that when it happens you will believe that I am the Messiah. 20 I tell you the truth, anyone who welcomes my messenger is welcoming me, and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming the Father who sent me.”

John 13:18-20 (NLT)

He knows His chosen

Jesus has demonstrated servant leadership and called his disciples to follow his example. But all of them are not truly his disciples. Remember in John 10:14 where Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me”. Jesus knows His own sheep. He knows them (us) completely, thoroughly, better than we know ourselves. He is God so He knows all! 

Prophecy fulfilled

There are a plethora of OT prophecies about Messiah. Some of them talk about the events surrounding His ministry. This is the case in verse 18. Jesus quotes Psalm 41:9 (click the Bible reference to see the text). Later, in v 26, we’ll see this literally fulfilled. “In Biblical culture the code of hospitality and a shared table meant that if one who eats bread with Me did afterward lift up his heel against Me, it was great betrayal and treachery.” (enduringword.com)

Jesus tells them in advance. He desires them to know without a doubt that He is Messiah. It’s not a surprise to Jesus, He knew it from the beginning (John 6:64) – even when He was choosing Judas. But the other disciples didn’t understand…but later they would – and they’d be able to say, “Yes, the Master told us that a bunch of times, like at the Passover meal.”

Welcome chain

Jesus He sends out His messengers of the Gospel into the world. Those who receive them receive Him and, by extension, also receive the Father. He is re-stating what He said previously in John 12:44-45. And He will repeat this theme more times, including John 14:9.

<- Reflection ->

• Which of these lessons impact you? Knowing Jesus knows His own? That He fulfilled prophecy and proved He is Messiah…and God…and the reliability of the Bible? Or is it, welcome His messengers and welcome Him…and the Father? Which one?