1. Psalm 41 and John 13This is a meditation on the words of Jesus in John 13:18-19-"He who eats my bread has lifted his heel against me"-in connection with its Old Testament background in Psalm 41, centering on a sermon by Pastor David Jang. First, in John 13:18-19, Jesus quotes from Psalm 41:9 when He says, "He who eats my bread has lifted his heel against me." During the Last Supper, Jesus washes the disciples' feet and distributes bread and wine, emphasizing the meaning of His forthcoming death and the reason His disciples should love one another. However, Jesus clarifies that He is not speaking of all the disciples and declares that there is one who will betray His love: "He who eats my bread has lifted his heel against me." This obviously refers to Judas Iscariot. Jesus, recalling Psalm 41, explains to the disciples, "so that the Scripture may be fulfilled," not only underscoring that the Old Testament prophecy is realized in Him, but also highlighting the tragic reality that one among His own disciples would choose the darkest kind of betrayal.
Psalm 41 is attributed to David and describes extremely painful and tragic scenes. In verse 9, we read, "Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me." This line vividly portrays the anguish of betrayal. When David wrote this psalm, he was not only endangered by his enemies but also experienced the pain of betrayal from a person who had shared meals with him-a sign of closeness and intimacy. In human relationships, few things are more horrifying than breaking the bond of sharing meals together, because in that culture (as in many others), eating together symbolized a profound trust and intimacy. To "lift one's heel" in that context is a harsh, insulting action hinting at violence, anger, and the treachery of the betrayer.
Pastor David Jang emphasizes that it is crucial to reflect on the deeper meaning of this passage in conjunction with the life of Jesus. At the Last Supper, Jesus predicts His own sacrifice and demonstrates that His sacrifice is rooted in love. Washing the disciples' feet was considered a menial task customarily done by servants, so Jesus' act of bending down to wash their feet is a striking display of humility and service. Moreover, by breaking the bread and offering the cup, He prefigured the sacrifice of His body and blood for the disciples. Yet, in the midst of this profound fellowship of love and the gracious supper, betrayal was quietly taking root.
Judas Iscariot, who was "the one who eats my bread," also became "the one who lifts his heel." Packed within "He who eats my bread has lifted his heel against me" is both the intimacy of sharing bread together and the brutality of instantly shattering that intimacy with betrayal. Sharing a meal is never trivial. In Jewish culture particularly, table fellowship presupposes the deepest friendship and brotherhood. Yet, it was there at that most intimate setting, that Judas chose to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. The Gospel of John 13 later describes how Judas "went out immediately. And it was night," underscoring the symbolic darkness into which Judas descended. It was a tragic moment, leaving us with a haunting image of Judas stepping away from the Light of the world and into the darkness of betrayal. According to Pastor David Jang, we should embrace the sorrow and shock of this scene with utmost seriousness.
When we see the line in Psalm 41:1, "Blessed is the one who considers the poor," it naturally resonates with Jesus washing His disciples' feet-He "considers" them in their weaknesses, offering them a chance to confront their human shortcomings and sinful nature. Notably, it is significant that Jesus, despite fully knowing Judas's heart, gave him every last opportunity to turn back. By offering Judas bread and washing his feet, Jesus kept the way of repentance open, but Judas could not uproot his greed and intent to betray. Ultimately, he chose that tragic path.
Hence, Pastor David Jang warns that what happened to Judas can still happen within the faith community today. Even those who enjoy deep fellowship with Jesus, at a certain point, can yield to temptation and fall. Merely participating in meals with Jesus and experiencing His love firsthand does not guarantee unwavering faith. Even a person entrusted with notable roles (Judas was the group's treasurer and one of the trusted disciples) can undergo inner decay over time. Believers must therefore continually examine themselves and remain in repentance through the Holy Spirit to preserve intimacy with the Lord.
In Psalm 41:4, the psalmist cries, "O Lord, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you!"-a prayer that Judas should have offered. Pastor David Jang points out that anyone can sin and succumb to temptation, but the real danger lies in failing to repent once we have fallen, thus sinking deeper into spiritual ruin. Sin itself is grave, but failing to repent-rationalizing it, deceiving ourselves, and distancing ourselves from fellowship with the Lord-can be even more ruinous. Judas likely did not initially set out to betray Jesus, but he could not relinquish his love of money, despite being entrusted with the finances; his disillusionment and resentment, stemming from unmet expectations of Jesus, may have festered into outright betrayal. Over time, that resentment grew to the point of no return.
In contrast, Psalm 41:1 also says, "The Lord delivers him in the day of trouble," a promise that God always provides a path to turn back. During the Last Supper, Jesus tangibly showed this to Judas by humbly washing his feet and offering him bread, yet Judas rejected that final extension of grace and left for the darkness. This sorrowful scene parallels the searing betrayal experienced by David, now re-enacted in Jesus' life.
From the vantage point of Jesus, Judas' betrayal was an "internal cross," intensifying His suffering. Even as Jesus prepared to bear the sin of the entire world on Calvary's cross, the betrayal by the disciple who had walked closely by His side inflicted an unspeakable personal anguish. Pastor David Jang observes that we should deeply sense this "cross of loneliness" and "cross of bitterness" that Jesus endured. Though crowds were often around Him during His public ministry, at the decisive hour He had no human comfort to rely on. The disciples could not fully understand Him; later, they scattered; Peter famously denied Him three times. Among all these painful outcomes, Judas' betrayal was the most devastating, intensifying Jesus' sorrow immeasurably.
The imagery of Psalm 41:9-"Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me"-could not have been more agonizing for Jesus. Originally, this passage described David's plight, but Jesus explicitly identified Himself as the fulfillment of that prophecy. Jesus and David share the experience of being betrayed by someone close, though they differ in how they responded. When David was betrayed and endangered, he petitioned God for deliverance, whereas Jesus carried on and went to the cross even for the one who betrayed Him. Ultimately, Jesus would pray on the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." This reveals the pinnacle of Jesus' love and shows how far human wickedness can go.
Pastor David Jang admonishes modern believers to check whether any "Judas-like spirit" might lurk in their hearts. Even as we receive abundant grace and love from the Lord, we can turn our backs on Him in moments of temptation. Resentment, anger, greed, or disillusionment can take root if left unaddressed. The soul can become sick over time, and if that sickness is allowed to fester, we can reach an irreparable collapse. Judas, who once received so much love, gradually forgot that grace, letting his eyes wander to money and self-serving dreams. Ultimately, he made the most destructive of choices-betraying the Lord.
How, then, can we avoid this tragedy? In Psalm 41:4, the psalmist pleads, "I have sinned against you; heal my soul." This is the prayer Judas should have offered, the prayer any believer should offer whenever entangled in sin. Pastor David Jang reiterates that while anyone can stumble, the issue becomes truly dire when repentance is abandoned. Once a person rationalizes or excuses his own sin, shutting himself off from fellowship with God, that path can swiftly lead to spiritual catastrophe. Judas may have held certain expectations or ambitions that clashed with Jesus' ministry, and once frustration and betrayal took root, it grew past the point of no return.
Nevertheless, Psalm 41 points to God's mercy and protection: "The Lord will protect him and keep him alive" (verse 2). We see that God always extends the opportunity to repent and be restored. Jesus demonstrated this profoundly at the Last Supper-stooping to a servant's role to care for Judas, giving him bread, inviting him to remain in the circle of love. Judas, however, callously turned his back on that final offer, disappearing into darkness. Once more, this sorrowful moment ties directly to David's painful betrayal, now manifested in Jesus' experience.
Judas's betrayal multiplied the suffering of Jesus, functioning as a kind of "internal cross." Jesus was already walking toward Golgotha to bear the sins of all humankind, and having one of His nearest companions desert Him in such a dramatic way brought Him indescribable grief. Pastor David Jang argues that in reflecting on this scene, we too must feel the "loneliness of the cross" and the "bitterness of the cross." Though Jesus was surrounded by people during His ministry, in His last hours, no one truly comprehended Him. The disciples would soon scatter, and even Peter would deny Him. The betrayal by Judas was the harshest blow of all, profoundly deepening the sorrow Jesus endured.
From Jesus' perspective, Psalm 41:9-"Even my close friend who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me"-was surely gut-wrenching. While the original setting is David's lament, Jesus quotes it explicitly to show that He is its ultimate fulfillment. Both David and Jesus experienced betrayal from someone trusted and close, yet they differ in how they respond. When David was betrayed, he cried out for rescue from God; in contrast, Jesus continued on the path toward the cross, even for Judas. Jesus went so far as to pray for His enemies from the cross: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." This represents the climax of Jesus' love, even as it exposes the darkest side of human sinfulness.
Pastor David Jang exhorts us to keep watch over our hearts so that we do not harbor "the mind of Judas." Even after receiving countless gifts of grace and love, we can abruptly turn our back on the Lord, shattering the fellowship and love that once bound us. Anger, bitterness, dissatisfaction, and greed are not minor issues. If we allow our souls to fester in these sins without confronting them, we risk the same tragic outcome. Judas gradually forgot the love Jesus had shown him, allowing greed-perhaps for money or personal agendas-to take over. Eventually, he chose to sell his Lord for thirty pieces of silver.
What prevents such a catastrophe? Psalm 41:4 contains the plea: "O Lord, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you!"-a heartfelt confession of wrongdoing, a turning away from sin to seek God's forgiveness. Had Judas prayed in that vein, redemptive history might have turned out differently. Yet Judas stubbornly closed his heart, rejecting Jesus' final appeal and following his own greed and Satan's prompting. In the end, the outcome was horrific. Crushed by guilt and spiritual ruin, he ultimately took his own life, a stark reminder of the terrifying consequences of sin.
Even so, Pastor David Jang highlights the mercy and guardianship of God that is revealed in Psalm 41. Verse 2 says, "Do not deliver him to the desires of his enemies." God does not abandon those who repent. Jesus extended this love persistently toward Judas and tried to hold him until the very end. This is God's character and the final truth pointed to by Jesus' work of salvation. Anyone who repents is forgiven before God. No matter how grave the sin, if a person recognizes their wrongdoing and returns to God, the Lord forgives and can restore that life. But if someone refuses to come back and persistently rejects God's grace, then even God's mercy does not force that person's will. Judas's soul was thus lost in that refusal.
This passage also reminds us of our calling to care for one another in the faith community. When Jesus said, "One of you will betray me," the disciples were taken aback and looked at each other in bewilderment. But they did not intervene, nor did they strive effectively to move Judas toward repentance. Only Jesus had full insight into Judas's hidden motives; the rest seemed ignorant or unconcerned. The same can happen in today's church. Outwardly, we may all worship and serve together, yet if someone's heart is steeped in serious doubt, dissatisfaction, greed, or anger, the church must pray and help that person turn back. True fellowship in faith demands that we lovingly admonish and comfort one another in sincerity. If we fail to do so, we may end up reliving the tragedy of Judas's betrayal in our own communities.
Pastor David Jang insists that the message of this text is not simply the sad story of Judas's betrayal, but a warning about the possibility of spiritual apostasy within our own hearts, as well as a testimony to God's provision for repentance and protection. Jesus continued to show love right up to the end, setting an example for all the disciples (including Judas) just before the Last Supper. He humbled Himself like a lowly servant, washing their feet, urging them to love one another. In the midst of this grace, Judas departed prematurely, missing the fullness of that transforming love. It is a deep tragedy. For believers, this scene compels us to remain humble, examining ourselves continually in the Spirit so that we do not drift away from God.
Further, in Psalm 41, the psalmist describes a weakened condition, an illness of the soul (verse 3). When our souls are sick, we cannot stand on our own. Yet God visits our sickbed and heals us. Jesus demonstrated this when He associated with tax collectors and sinners, healing their spiritual sickness. He said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick." Jesus seeks out the spiritually ill, restoring their broken hearts. Therefore, when darkness overshadows our hearts and our problems seem unsolvable, we should immediately turn to the Lord for healing. This is our only path to life and the surest safeguard against the way of betrayal.
Finally, Psalm 41:9 dovetails perfectly with Judas's betrayal: having enjoyed table fellowship with Jesus, he betrays Him. Jesus intentionally cites this verse to warn the disciples and to show how God's redemptive plan is fulfilled in Him. "I tell you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am He" (John 13:19). In other words, the disciples would recall these words once everything unfolded, and would believe all the more firmly that Jesus was indeed the One sent by God. Meanwhile, after Judas departs, the remaining disciples move forward in their mission to the world; through Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension, the church is ultimately born. Although Judas's betrayal plunges Jesus into greater suffering, it also marks a decisive event in the outworking of God's redemptive plan, leading toward the completion of Jesus' atoning work on the cross and revealing His incarnation as the God who takes on human sin. Contemplating this bigger picture should lead us to ask ourselves if there is any hint of "lifting our heel" against the Lord hidden in our hearts. With trembling hearts, we must examine ourselves and draw near to Him. This remains the principal warning and encouragement offered by John 13:18-19 and Psalm 41 to believers today.
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2. Judas's Betrayal and the Church Community's TaskIn applying this passage to the context of pastoral ministry, Pastor David Jang focuses on the attitudes today's church and believers must adopt. He especially emphasizes awareness of Jesus' heart-"He who eats my bread has lifted his heel against me"-and how the disciples failed to discern that heart due to their spiritual dullness. Jesus shared a profoundly close relationship with His disciples, including Judas, to whom He entrusted the group's finances. Yet no matter how physically close one is to Jesus-listening to the same teaching, witnessing the same miracles-if greed or darkness is already rooted in the heart, betrayal can surface at any time.
When Judas leaves the table, the other disciples do not fully comprehend what he is about to do. Even though Jesus had said, "One of you will betray Me," they do not respond proactively, nor do they try to hold Judas back. Some think he might have gone to purchase food for the poor. Their reaction shows that the disciples were not discerning Judas's spiritual condition, nor were they sharing a level of fellowship that went beyond external behavior. Had they been more attentive, they might have seen Judas's growing discontent and doubts and helped him repent. That chance, however, never came.
Pastor David Jang observes that this scenario commonly repeats itself in today's church. People attend services, join ministry activities, and appear devoted, yet all the while may be fostering unresolved hurts or discontent. Onlookers see only the surface and assume everything is fine. If there had been genuine, ongoing fellowship-sharing hearts and praying regularly-such tragedies might be prevented. But without this deeper exchange, heartbreak sometimes escalates beyond the point of no return. "He who eats my bread has lifted his heel against me" reminds us that simply sharing a meal does not guarantee genuine unity of heart.
Indeed, Judas had spent more than three years under Jesus' direct supervision, presumably preaching the gospel and witnessing mighty works. Outwardly, he seemed zealous, entrusted with the role of treasurer-a position requiring trust. Yet inside, his greed festered, eventually exploding in an act of betrayal for thirty pieces of silver. This reveals that appearances can be deceptive. In the church community, it is dangerous to evaluate a person's spiritual state solely by visible actions. Instead, the church must nurture a culture of honest fellowship, spiritual discernment, loving correction, and accountability in the Holy Spirit. Only such a posture can avert catastrophic betrayal within the church.
Just as crucial is Jesus' attitude. Despite knowing Judas's heart, Jesus does not abandon him. Right up to the Last Supper, Jesus treats Judas like the other disciples, even washing his feet in an act of radical humility and love. "Blessed is the one who considers the poor; the Lord delivers him in the day of trouble," says Psalm 41:1, and Jesus exemplifies this by patiently admonishing Judas in his weakness. But Judas spurns Jesus' entreaty and slips out into the darkness. Here we confront the profound tragedy of divine love meeting human free will. God may stretch out His hand to sinners, but those who refuse remain lost. Judas's willful rejection stands as the ultimate cautionary tale, ending in his own self-destruction.From a pastoral viewpoint, Pastor David Jang sees a clear application. Whether one is a church leader or a layperson, if it becomes evident that someone is on a sinful path, we must persevere in loving exhortation, just as Jesus did. While the person may stubbornly refuse, it is right to offer repeated opportunities for repentance and candid warnings. Likewise, if someone stirs up betrayal or conflict, we should not hastily condemn and expel them. Instead, we should first seek authentic repentance, guided by love. Certainly, churches must protect their congregations, and this requires wisdom and balance. But Jesus' model teaches us to serve in love and extend every avenue for turning back.
Moreover, each member of the faith community must personally practice self-examination. When Jesus said, "One of you will betray me," the disciples (in another Gospel) each asked, "Lord, is it I?"-they questioned themselves. This should be our attitude too. "Is there a chance I might betray my Lord? Do I harbor any grudge, resentment, or greed against Him? Do I truly recall and cherish His love, or have I grown insensitive?" Such questions should be part of our continual spiritual inventory. We need the Holy Spirit's power to remain vigilant. Pastor David Jang adds that if we sense we are drifting from the Lord, we must stop immediately, confess, and turn back to Him before our hearts harden further. As time passes, without repentance, self-justification can take deeper root, making us ever more resistant to the truth.
Psalm 41:4 reads, "I said, 'O Lord, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you!'" This prayer is deeply relevant for anyone in the church. We are all sinners in need of ongoing repentance. The church, as a community of forgiven sinners, should be a spiritual hospital-where we share our brokenness, seek healing together, and grow in grace. Jesus' humble service and love for His disciples serve as our prime example: we too should move toward the weakest, the poorest, and the most hurting, encouraging them to repent and be restored. If the church neglects this mission, it opens the door for "Judas-like betrayal" to multiply.
Pastor David Jang also suggests that the core challenge posed by "He who eats my bread has lifted his heel against me" is this: "Do I truly receive the Lord's bread with gratitude, or am I at risk of becoming a betrayer?" This question applies not only to individuals but to the entire church. Eating the Lord's bread signifies partaking in worship and the Lord's Supper, sharing in His grace. If believers fail to grasp its significance and instead treat it as a mere formal practice, their hearts can become callous. When communion becomes routine without inward transformation, the soul drifts-ironically moving further from Christ even while participating in religious observance. That, sadly, lays the groundwork for betrayal.The bread from Jesus symbolizes the "bread of life," and His blood represents eternal salvation. Whenever we partake of communion, we should remember what sinners we once were and the sacrifice Jesus paid. Pastor David Jang stresses that pastors must regularly remind believers of this solemn truth while administering the Lord's Supper: "This bread is His body, and this cup is His blood. In eating and drinking, we proclaim the Lord's death until He comes." The Lord's Supper is never a perfunctory ritual-it is a renewal of our participation in the sacrificial love of Christ and a pledge to follow Him. If we neglect this meaning, frequent communion can paradoxically dull our hearts, leaving us cold toward His sacrifice.
In fact, Judas literally received the bread from Jesus at the Last Supper, but failed to comprehend its message of sacrificial love. Immediately after, he left to complete his act of betrayal. This is the most extreme illustration of "receiving communion wrongly." The church must therefore pray earnestly for the Holy Spirit's illumination in every act of worship and sacrament. External habit alone cannot give life; in fact, empty ritual can lead to hypocrisy. Pastor David Jang believes that one of the modern church's crises is just such habitual, merely ceremonial faith. We must ask ourselves, "With what heart do I approach this bread and cup that the Lord offers?" and continually challenge both leaders and congregants to remain vigilant.
Moreover, John 13:18-19, where Jesus says, "I am telling you this now ... so that you may believe that I am He when it comes to pass," points out that only after Judas' betrayal would the disciples fully realize that Jesus had foreseen it, thereby fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. Ironically, this appalling situation also affirms Christ's divine authority and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. When the disciples later recognized how even the worst betrayal lay within God's sovereign purpose, they could proceed with bold faith, ultimately establishing the church and spreading the gospel after Jesus' resurrection and ascension. Knowing that God reigns over even the darkest moments fortified them to become unshakeable, even in the face of martyrdom.
For Judas, however, understanding God's larger plan was of no use, for he did not repent. Though his betrayal served a role in God's sovereign plan, that does not lessen his personal guilt. This dual reality of God's sovereignty and human responsibility stands as a complex theological puzzle, contemplated throughout church history. Pastor David Jang advises setting aside abstract debate and focusing on the simple, undeniable fact: our sins are our own responsibility, and God's ability to weave them into His plan does not mitigate their severity.
All in all, the message uniting John 13 and Psalm 41 is the contrast between Christ's "love to the end" and humanity's capacity for "final rejection." Jesus heads toward the cross out of unyielding love. Humanity, however, can spurn that love and turn away. Judas is the starkest example. From a pastoral perspective, the church must remember two things: first, persist in loving even the sinner until the end, urging repentance; second, recognize that if a person remains unwilling to repent, there is a limit to what the church can do. The blame then rests upon the individual. Pastors are called to care patiently for the flock, fostering an atmosphere of spiritual vigilance and accountability. When someone refuses to repent, that tragic choice falls on them.
Pastor David Jang concludes that we all stand under the sober warning of "He who eats my bread has lifted his heel against me." Although we may enjoy close fellowship with the Lord, we could still betray the grace we have received. At the same time, we must examine ourselves: are resentment or frustration, greed or disappointment, festering in our hearts? Satan can exploit such vulnerabilities, leading us into worse sins. Conversely, if we see someone drifting in betrayal or alienated from the community, we should follow Jesus' example, extending love until the final moment. Should they persist in shutting themselves off, the responsibility is theirs. Ultimately, they cannot evade the consequences of unrepented sin.
Such teaching provides practical wisdom for dealing with internal church conflicts or betrayals. People often disappoint and hurt one another, yet Jesus' approach is consistently one of "loving to the end and urging repentance." Pastor David Jang insists that genuine healing and restoration are possible only when the church maintains this posture. Indeed, in real pastoral situations, unexpected betrayals and serious strife harm many. In those moments, recalling Psalm 41 and Jesus' example can prevent hasty condemnation and exclusion, leading the church to try, first of all, a path of reconciliation and repentance. That approach is not always successful-the Scriptures show that some, like Judas, will harden their hearts and leave. But at least the church will have followed Jesus' way of love right to the end.
Therefore, Pastor David Jang's message is clear: Psalm 41 and John 13 reveal that betrayal, like David's experience, can recur at any time. Betrayal flourishes when a soul is sick with sin and refuses to repent. Yet God offers a remedy in His infinite mercy. Jesus stretched out His hand to Judas and washed his feet, foretelling the fulfillment of prophecy: "I have told you before it happens, so that you may believe I am He." We see here both God's overarching sovereignty and human free will, existing in tension. In that tension, the church is called to practice both love and discipline-caring for others with patience and admonition, while also examining our own hearts daily so as not to follow Judas's path. Above all, each act of worship and communion should stir us to remember Christ's body and blood given for us. Only by embracing this mystery in genuine faith will we guard ourselves against reenacting the scene where Jesus grieves, "He who eats my bread has lifted his heel against me." Rather, we will become a community abounding in true love and humble service.
Summarizing all this, Pastor David Jang uses the phrase "Walk with them to the end." Despite foreseeing the betrayal, Jesus washed Judas's feet and gave him opportunities until the last moment. Likewise, the church must care for the weak and entreat them to repent, without disregarding the reality of free will. Some may still walk away, but the church must ensure that it has done all it can to mirror Jesus' love. In doing so, we embody the ideal of the New Testament community, preventing or minimizing a recurrence of that heartbreaking moment-"He who eats my bread has lifted his heel against me."
