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I am using readings from the 49 Week Bible Challenge as the basis for these devotions. I encourage you to join me in this discipline. Today’s readings are John 13; Psalm 41; 119:1-40.
John 13:12-19
When Jesus had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 18 I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ 19 I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he.
Over the years I’ve learned more and more of Scripture, had opportunities to place passages in their proper context, and grown in my understanding of how the events of the Old and New Testaments relate to one another. That’s to be expected. I would certainly hope to have a greater grasp of the truths of God’s Word today than I did 50 years ago when I first began seminary.
So when I hear Jesus say, “But the Scripture will be fulfilled: ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me’” (John 13:18), my ears perk up. The most vivid moment I’ve had with this came in a deep pit beneath the palace of the high priest in Jerusalem. I read to our group from Psalm 88: “Darkness has become my closest friend.” Just then, the lights went out. I was stunned. The reality of Jesus’ bitter sufferings became almost tangible.
The Sons of Korah wrote Psalm 88, perhaps reflecting David’s own seasons of bitter suffering, or maybe the experiences of another who felt isolation and abandonment. Yet whatever its original setting, the fullness of this lament is revealed only in Jesus—his life, his ministry, and his passion.
The same is true of Psalm 41:9, where David writes, “Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.” Jesus quoted this about Judas, who would betray him with a kiss. He told his disciples beforehand so that when it happened, they would understand and be prepared.
For me, this is a reminder that Jesus stands at the very center of Scripture. It’s all about him. He must ever remain our focus. For only he is the fulfillment of all that God intends for us—our hope, our life, and our salvation. He alone is the one who is—the Great I AM. This is yet another place where Jesus makes that startling claim to be God himself (ἐγώ εἰμι, “I am”). He is the fulfillment of Scripture, and so much more!
David Bahn - Reflections 
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