When Hearts Are Exposed | John 13:18-38
Sermon Summary
During the Last Supper with His disciples, Jesus predicts that one of them will betray them. Jesus wanted His disciples to be prepared beforehand to strengthen their faith and comfort them.
Jesus’ words expose the hearts of the disciples, and they each begin to wonder if he is the betrayer. However, Jesus identifies Judas as the betrayer and gives him one last opportunity to repent, which he rejects. Jesus turns to the disciples and gives them a new command: to love one another just as He loved them.
One Big Idea
When God exposes the motives and desires of our hearts, our response can either be to run toward Jesus or away from Him.
Key Scriptures:
Psalm 55:12-14 (NASB): For it is not an enemy who reproaches me, then I could bear it; nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me, then I could hide myself from him. But it is you, a man my equal, my companion and my familiar friend; we who had sweet fellowship together walked in the house of God in the throng.
Hebrews 6:4-6 (NASB): For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame.
John 13:34-35 (NASB): “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Psalm 139:17-18 (NASB): “How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. when I awake, I am still with You.”
Truths to focus on this week:
God exposes our hearts so we will draw near to Him: Our sin blinds us, but in love, God uses circumstances to reveal what truly lies in our hearts. His desire is that, when our sin is exposed, we turn to Him.
Proximity to Jesus doesn’t mean we know Him: Judas heard Jesus teach daily and walked closely with Him, yet he ultimately lived for himself. He failed to examine his own heart until it was too late, and his outward performance and seared conscience deceived not only the other disciples, but even himself.
The love of God for us should lead us to love one another: Jesus gave us a new commandment: to love others when we don’t feel like it and to love those who aren’t like us. We cannot claim to love God while not loving the church, just as Jesus demonstrated His love by laying down His life for us.
We are exceedingly valuable to God: In Mark 5, Jesus crossed the stormy sea after a hard day of ministry to deliver the demon-possessed man. Enoch walked with God for 300 years, and his life pleased God. Similarly, each one of us is valuable in the sight of God.
Reflection Questions
Unmet expectations often expose what our hearts truly value. What do your disappointments reveal about what you’re trusting in most right now?
Proximity to Jesus or the things of God doesn’t mean that we truly know Him. What does it look like to shift our trust from our desires, possessions, comfort, etc. to Jesus Himself?
Oftentimes we tell ourselves that we need “something else” or “the next thing” in order to live for Jesus fully. What does living a life fully for Jesus look like with what He’s given you now?
Jesus died for us because our soul is worth everything. How can you renew your mind this week in God’s love for you personally and individually?