Meaning of John 6:70

Jesus' declaration in John 6:70, "Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!" is spoken in the immediate aftermath of a profound teaching on the Bread of Life, a discourse that led many of his followers to abandon him due to its challenging spiritual demands. This statement directly addresses the inner circle of his disciples, highlighting the stark contrast between divine election and human will, and foreshadowing the betrayal that would soon unfold. It underscores Jesus' omniscience, his awareness of the spiritual disposition of each individual, even those closest to him, and the tragic reality of free will operating even within the chosen.

Context and Background

The discourse in John 6, where Jesus speaks of eating his flesh and drinking his blood, is a significant turning point. Many disciples find his words "hard" and "turn back" (John 6:66). It is in this climate of dwindling adherence and the impending crisis of faith that Jesus turns to his twelve apostles. He questions their resolve, reminding them of their unique selection, and then delivers the bombshell about the presence of a betrayer among them. This context emphasizes the exclusivity of Jesus' selection of the Twelve, yet simultaneously reveals the persistent threat of internal opposition and spiritual defection, even from within the ranks of the chosen.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Election vs. Human Choice: Jesus asserts his active choice of the Twelve, emphasizing that their position is not accidental but divinely ordained. However, this election does not negate the reality of individual choice and responsibility.
• The Problem of Betrayal: The verse points directly to the impending betrayal by Judas Iscariot, illustrating that even those who are chosen and set apart can succumb to the influence of evil.
• Jesus' Omniscience: Jesus' awareness of Judas's inner state demonstrates his perfect knowledge of human hearts and motives, a characteristic of his divine nature.
• The Nature of Evil: The term "devil" (Greek: diabolos, meaning "accuser" or "slanderer") points to the active, malevolent force that seeks to undermine God's purposes, and that can find a foothold even within those who outwardly follow Christ.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse has profound implications for understanding discipleship and the spiritual life. It teaches that:

• Membership in a group does not guarantee spiritual authenticity: Being chosen or part of a religious community does not automatically equate to unwavering faith or freedom from internal struggle.
• The battle against evil is real and present: The influence of the "devil" can affect anyone, even those in close proximity to Christ.
• Discernment is crucial: Believers are called to be discerning of hearts and motives, both in themselves and in others, recognizing that outward profession can mask inner turmoil or rebellion.
• Jesus' sovereignty is ultimate: Despite the presence of betrayal, Jesus' plan will ultimately prevail, as he is aware of and in control of the unfolding events.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

John 6:70 fits into a larger narrative arc concerning:

• The choosing of Israel: God chose Israel, yet many within Israel rebelled or failed to live up to their calling.
• The calling of the disciples: Jesus chose the Twelve, mirroring God's elective grace, but still faced the reality of human frailty and sin.
• The theme of opposition to Christ: From the religious elite to those who abandoned him in chapter 6, Jesus consistently faced resistance and rejection.
• The concept of spiritual warfare: The presence of a "devil" among the chosen highlights the ongoing spiritual conflict described throughout Scripture.

Analogies

• A well-tended garden with a hidden weed: Jesus, the gardener, has carefully planted and nurtured his disciples (the chosen plants). Yet, one of these plants harbors a destructive root (the influence of the devil) that will eventually choke out its fruitfulness.
• A ship with a saboteur on board: The ship (the group of disciples) is on a mission under the command of the captain (Jesus). The captain knows that one of the crew members (one of the Twelve) is actively working to sink the ship.
• A finely crafted instrument with a faulty string: The instrument (the disciples) is designed for beautiful music (glorifying God). Jesus has tuned and prepared them, but one string is inherently defective and will produce discord, hindering the overall harmony.

Relation to Other Verses

• John 13:21: "After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and declared, 'I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.'" This verse directly precedes Jesus' washing of the disciples' feet and further elaborates on the foreknowledge of the betrayal.
• Acts 1:16: Peter's statement, "Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus." This highlights the fulfillment of prophecy and the divine orchestration of events, even through betrayal.
• Matthew 10:4: "Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him." The inclusion of Judas in the list of the Twelve, even with the knowledge of his betrayal, underscores the complexity of God's purposes and Jesus' willingness to engage with humanity in its fallen state.
• 1 John 2:19: "They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us." This verse, though spoken in a different context, touches upon the idea of true belonging and the outward manifestation of an inner spiritual reality, mirroring the departure of those who abandoned Jesus in chapter 6.