I Know So Well

ByJim Stephens

Scripture: John 13:1-20  (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)

18 “I am not saying these things to all of you; I know so well each one of you I chose. 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)

I know so well each one of you I chose. Jesus chose Simon (Peter) and his brother Andrew. He chose James and his brother John, the sons of Zebedee. Jesus chose Philip and Nathanael, Thomas, Matthew, the other James (son of Alphaeus), Simon the Zealot, and Judas (son of James), and Judas Iscariot, the betrayer.

Jesus knew them partly by discernment and revelation, and partly by experience. He knew things about them: past, present, and future. He also knew them from three years of constant companionship with them, walking, sailing, resting, camping, eating, teaching, miracle-ing, sleeping, praying. He had seen them at their best and at their worst. By this time, there were no more surprises! Jesus knew before he washed Judas’ feet that Judas would betray him to the authorities before the evening was over. Jesus knew them so well!

Why did Jesus choose Judas Iscariot from among all his followers, to be one of the Twelve? Judas had participated in the feeding of the 5,000 and the feeding of the 4,000. Judas was present when Jesus healed the sick, blind, deaf, and lame. Judas had been in the boat when Jesus walked on the water and calmed the storm. Judas had stood in awe when Lazarus stumbled out of the tomb and Jesus said, “Unwrap him and let him go!” Did Jesus choose Judas because Judas could have been a great apostle? Or did he choose him because the plan required a betrayer?

Jesus chose you and me, friends, and he knows us so well! He chose us and he has set before us a Path of Blessing. Let’s choose wisely, let’s choose whole-heartedly, and let’s always choose the path of following the Boss!

Prayer:

Father, I’m so grateful to be chosen! You know me so well, and that makes me even more thankful! Help me to always choose the Path of Blessing – blessing for me and blessing for others. In Jesus’ Name!