John 13:27

John 13:27

“And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.” The parallelism is stark: the immediate instigation of Satan into Judas/Nathan’s heart immediately after Jesus identifies him. The phrasing highlights spiritual warfare: a human action (Judas’s motive) intersects with a cosmic battle (Satan’s influence). Jesus does not endorse Judas’s betrayal but acknowledges it as part of the unfolding events. The instruction to “do quickly” shows Jesus’ compassionate yet firm acceptance of Judas’s agency and the necessity of the moment: Judas is urged to hasten his treachery—an uncomfortable, sobering moment that stems from the gravity of sin and its consequences.

This verse foregrounds the real presence of spiritual forces at work in human decisions. It raises questions about free will, sin, and divine sovereignty, common to Johannine theology. Though Satan enters Judas, Jesus remains the one who foreknows and directs; Judas acts within the boundaries of God’s permissive will. It also emphasizes the high stakes of betrayal and the seriousness with which Jesus treats sin—even among His closest companions. The phrase “do quickly” invites readers to wrestle with the urgency of repentance and the consequences of hard hearts.

We should be aware of the spiritual dimension of our choices—temptation, pride, and greed can “enter” our hearts just as readily as external pressures. Practical steps: strengthen accountability with trusted friends, practice honest confession, and rely on the Spirit to resist destructive impulses. When you sense a troubling impulse, pause and seek wise counsel; avoid enabling harmful behavior in yourself or others. This verse also invites humility: even Judas’s betrayal unfolds within God’s plan, which does not excuse sin but invites grace to transform our worst moments into opportunities to trust God’s redemption.

Cross-References: Luke 22:3-6; 1 Corinthians 5:5; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2; John 8:44