(Verse 21) - Jesus again is troubled in spirit - this time because of Judas' coming betrayal. He was troubled by what was coming. He was also troubled by the ingratitude and wickedness of a professed friend. There is evidence that Christ was troubled by the prospect of the suffering that lay immediately before Him. It was not the physical suffering that gave Him pause, though I am certain that he wasn't looking forward to it! It was the spiritual suffering, the separation from God in payment for the sin of His people. This was what gave Him cause to be troubled.

He was also troubled by the ingratitude and wickedness of a professed friend. Judas was a disciple and had been for some three and a half years. Now, we are certain that Jesus was never fooled or unknowing about what Judas would ultimately do. However, from the Judas side of the equation there was real betrayal here. Judas had professed (and, at one time, perhaps even felt, to some degree) the same loyalty to Christ that the other disciples had professed. He betrayed this loyalty and that unfaithfulness was, understandably, troubling to the Lord.

We should say a word here about Jesus relationship with Judas. His reaction here is indicative of His feelings for Judas. I believe that Jesus, from the beginning, meant Judas well. I think He loved Judas in a very real way. Certainly, that love falls far short of the love He has for His redeemed people. But, without that love for Judas, it is difficult to explain why He was troubled by what Judas was about to do.

Testified indicates a public testimony to the reality of a thing. I believe this to be the major part of the reason why Judas was called as a disciple to begin with. There was prophecy to fulfill and  someone had to fulfill it. That someone was used by God to fulfill His purpose. That purpose was to act as a part of the means by which Christ would go to the cross. Of course, then, Christ would testify as too the part this played in the counsel of God. Jesus was testifying that this was not a random, unforseen and unplanned for thing that threatened the plan of God, but that it was, indeed a part of the plan itself! The disciples would look back and see this and understand the power and wisdom of God in salvation. You and I, today, can and should do the same thing.

(Verse 22) - Doubting carries with it an anxiety felt that is the result of being perplexed. Jesus had just told them the last thing they had ever expected to hear. I'm certain that, upon reflection, they were not much surprised at the actions of Judas; but Jesus' pronouncement here catches them off guard. With the exception of Judas, these were redeemed men who loved the Lord and genuinely wanted to serve Him. Surely. They were a little dense at times, but, then, aren't we all? They, in humility and self-doubt, wonder if Christ is speaking of them, or of whom He was speaking? These men knew each other and lived with each other for more than three years. They, understandably, were thrown into a turmoil. 

(Verse 23) - The disciple whom Jesus loved doubtless speaks of John himself. All of the Gospel writers were reluctant to use their own names, especially when something was praiseworthy. John is no exception. He rarely even mentions his own name and when he does, it is in a most self-depreciating fashion. John is perhaps the most humble of all of the Bible authors. He is an excellent example for us to follow.

In this case, the designation here is more wonderful than any name could be! It denotes the special relationship in which John had entered with Christ. John had a unique love relationship with Christ that was unlike that of any other disciple. His relationship was so special that Jesus commended his mother to John's care at his death.

How do those facts apply to my life?:

We can do nothing but marvel at the tremendous grace and mercy of God manifest in His merciful and patient treatment even of one as Judas. Only the God of the Bible treats His enemies in the flesh in this manner.