John 6:71 Commentary - Dr Peter Masters

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John 6:71

Comments

Christ knew from the beginning, as John has already told us, that one of his disciples would betray him and who that disciple would be. Now John names him to show that even at this time his name was known to the Lord.

Application

Questions

Why did Christ choose Judas Iscariot as a disciple knowing that he would betray him?

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Certainly, Christ’s repeated prediction of Judas’ act of betrayal shows that this was no mistake. Judas was chosen in full awareness of what he would do;

To fulfil Scripture which had prophesied that Judas would betray Christ (John 17:12; Psalm 41:9; 109; Zechariah 11:12-13);

To allow Christ to tell the Twelve that one of them was a devil, causing the eleven to examine their hearts and ask, ‘Is it I?’. Even apostolic commission, the preaching of the gospel, and the power to work of miracles does not with certainty mark someone as elect;

To allow Christ to suffer the pain of betrayal as well as all his other sufferings;

To prepare the church for similar future experiences in which they would mistakenly accept fellow believers who turn out to be false;

To show how dreadful sin is, that it should even lead someone to betray the Son of God.

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Outline

Purpose

Introduction

John 6:71 Commentary and Bible Study

Explain meaning of John 6:71