Looking at the above definitions of “truly” I am drawn into the depth of right-ness. Then I wondered - why is it a surprise to me that Jesus would use this word? Why am I surprised that Jesus would speak such absolute truth when He had said, “I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life…” (John 14:6)
The fact that the person who actually is “The Truth” is speaking to us is a very compelling reason to stop and take note of His words, but the fact that there are times when He speaks these words and adds the word “truly” to His statement is particularly noteworthy. Sometimes He even says “very truly”. Here is one of those times..
Truly 13
“Very truly, I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me;
and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.” John 13:20
When you read this “truly” verse it would seem that we are talking about accepting Jesus but, looking at the story in context, it’s actually about betrayal. Jesus is sharing a meal with His disciples and has told them that someone will betray him. He identifies Judas as the betrayer as they dip bread in the same dish. Clearly the Holy Spirit has told Jesus who will betray Him. Jesus then tells him to go do what he’s going to do. I suspect that when Judas took the bread he could see in Jesus’ eyes what taking the bread meant.
I have read that some speculate that Judas was a member of a group that thought Jesus was to be crowned a real king and by turning Him in to the authorities this would have sped up His assent to the throne. While this might have seemed like a good idea, it wasn’t what Jesus was sent for. Judas had spent a lot of time with Jesus and should have realized what was really going on. Instead, he was so caught up in his own agenda that he missed it. We shouldn’t be surprised, but God kind of has His own way of doing things. To be in the know we need to pay attention, listen, and accept His ways.
This awareness can further our understanding of “accepting Him”. Thinking about Judas focusing on his own agenda makes me wonder if I’ve ever set my agenda before what God had in mind. Have I also betrayed Him? Furthermore, were the times I obeyed while still complaining about why He was doing it this way or that way actually a form of betrayal? And what about how Jesus starts His statement, “Whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me…”. Have I dismissed anyone because I just didn’t like them when they were sent into my life by God? Is that also a form of betrayal? Perhaps.
I am thankful for grace and forgiveness. I am also thankful that in every situation we are given a choice. Until Judas actually went to tell the authorities of Jesus whereabouts he could have walked away. He could have gone back to Jesus. But, wasn’t this act an integral part of the crucifixion story? Yes, but God will always find a way to fulfill His purposes no matter what our choices. Romans 8:28 reads, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purposes.” He always wants us to choose Him, but He also knows this is not always going to happen in every situation. Thankfully, He does offer us a choice.
I am thankful for grace and forgiveness. I am also thankful that in every situation we are given a choice. Until Judas actually went to tell the authorities of Jesus whereabouts he could have walked away. He could have gone back to Jesus. But, wasn’t this act an integral part of the crucifixion story? Yes, but God will always find a way to fulfill His purposes no matter what our choices. Romans 8:28 reads, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purposes.” He always wants us to choose Him, but He also knows this is not always going to happen in every situation. Thankfully, He does offer us a choice.
In the “truly” verse Jesus continually uses the word “accept”.
Accepting is our choice. Defined, accept means “to agree to take”. Accepting requires our agreement. Disagreement would imply that we have our own idea about what is best, making us at odds with God’s will. The angel Lucifer also disagreed with God and was banished from Heaven, only to become satan. I certainly don’t want to be in that classification. I may not like certain people He sends my way. I may not want to do what God wants me to do all the time and I may even hesitate.
But, if giving up my will and making an agreement with God for His will to be done is accepting, then I choose to accept the ones He sends my way, to accept His ways, and ultimately to accept God Himself.
Below are some questions to help you dig a little deeper:
- Have you ever been shocked that God did something different than you thought He was going to do? How did it make you feel?
- Describe how Judas may have felt when He realized what he’d done was based on what he believed instead of the truth.
- Describe a time you set your own agenda before God’s.
- How did you get to the point of agreement, if you did? If not, why not?
- Lord, help me set my attitude for agreement rather than opposition. If this was your prayer, can you identify times in the past that you have complained while obeying?
It is important to share your faith and your story with others. In Revelation 12:11 it tells us, “And they have defeated evil by the blood of the Lamb, by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.” Take one idea from this chapter and share it this week with someone.
Click here to see a video to remember - Its A Choice
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