R.A. Torrey explores the profound sorrow of Jesus as He predicts the betrayal by Judas and the denial by Peter, emphasizing the deep love Jesus had for both despite their impending actions. He highlights the significance of Jesus' foretelling as a means to strengthen the disciples' faith in His identity as the Messiah. The sermon also reflects on the nature of true discipleship, which is marked by love for one another, and the importance of recognizing our own weaknesses in faith. Torrey urges listeners to consider their own hearts and the potential for betrayal, while also acknowledging the persistent love of Jesus even towards those who would forsake Him. Ultimately, the message calls for a deeper commitment to love and faithfulness in following Christ.

DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS 1. “Verily, Verily, I Say Unto You, One of You Shall Betray Me,” vv. 18–30 What was one of the bitterest drops in the cup of agony that Jesus had to drink (v. 18)? Where had this betrayal by one of the innermost circle of His chosen friends been predicted? (Ps. 41:9; 55:12–14.) What was Jesus’ purpose in foretelling this betrayal to His disciples (v. 19; compare 14:29)? What was it that Jesus desired that the disciples should believe about Him (v. 19)? What is meant by the words, “That I am He”? (Is. 43:10; Mal. 3:1; Matt. 11:3; compare c. 1:15; 8:24; Rev. 1:17, 18.) Is it important that we should believe that Jesus is He? (John 8:24.) Who in the Old Testament says, “I am He”? (Is. 43:10 A.R.V.) Whom then does Jesus claim to be by saying, “I am He”? When we receive one whom Jesus sends, whom do we really receive (v. 20)? When we receive Jesus, whom do we receive (v. 20; compare 12:49)? What effect upon Jesus had the contemplation of His coming betrayal by Judas, His friend (v. 21)? Did Jesus love Judas? How does His love for Judas come out in v. 21? With what emotion did Jesus utter the words recorded in v. 21? Is Jesus ever betrayed today by those whom He loves? With what feelings did the disciples hear the words of Jesus (v. 22)? Had there been anything in Judas’ outward actions that gave the disciples to know at once that Judas would be the betrayer? Is it possible for us to tell who of the present professed disciples of Jesus in coming years will betray their Lord? What did each one of the disciples ask regarding the betrayer? (Matt. 26:22.) What does this question reveal? Is it possible for us today to discern in ourselves the possibility of betraying the Lord? Was there any difference in the way in which Judas asked “Is it I,” from the way in which the others asked it? (Matt. 26:22, 25.) What did Judas display by asking the question? Who had the seat of honor at the table (v. 23)? Is the name given in this gospel? Why not? If many modern Christians had been writing this book, would they have omitted their name in this way? While omitting his own name, whose name does John mention (v. 24)? Is it any proof of the genuineness of this Gospel that the name of John, the apostle, is not mentioned in it? How does John speak of himself in this passage (v. 23)? Is that a title of much honor? Did Jesus love John in a way in which He did not love the other disciples? What question did John ask of Jesus (v. 25)? What was Jesus’ answer? By this answer did Jesus point out to the other disciples who the betrayer was (vv. 28, 29)? What is the point of the answer in 5:26? What was Jesus’ purpose in giving that sop at that time to Judas? Had Jesus made any other attempts to recall Judas from his awful purpose? Did this last attempt succeed? What happened at that moment (v. 27)? Why did Satan enter into the heart of Judas? If our hearts are closed to Jesus, to whom are they always open? If we do not respond to Jesus’ kindness what will Satan do? When this last attempt failed, what did Jesus say to Judas? What did Judas do immediately after taking that which the loving hand of Jesus reached out to him? With what significant words does v. 30 end? 2. “Verily, Verily, I Say Unto Thee, the Cock Shall Not Crow Until Thou Hast Denied Me Thrice,” vv. 31–38 With the going forth of Judas to get his band to arrest Jesus, what does Jesus Himself see approaching (v. 31)? Was the death of Jesus a “lifting up” in any other sense than merely the lifting up on the cross? (c. 12:31, 32; Phil. 2:8–11.) Through what did the glory of the Son of man come (vv. 31, 32)? Through what must our glory come (Ro. 8:17)? In Jesus being thus glorified, who was glorified in Him (v. 31)? As Jesus now feels that His stay with His disciples is fast drawing to a close, what does He leave them (v. 34)? What was the new commandment that He left them? Was the law of love a new law (Matt. 22:37–40)? How did Jesus’ law of love differ from Moses’ law of love? (v. 34; compare Matt. 22:3–9.) What should be the measure of our love to one another (v. 34 R. V.; compare 1 John 3:14, 16–18)? By what test shall men know the true disciples of Jesus Christ (v. 35)? What question did Simon Peter ask of Jesus (v. 36)? Why did Peter wish to know whither the Lord was going? What was the Lord’s answer (v. 36)? What did Simon Peter reveal at this time (vv. 37, 38)? Who today is equally ignorant of his own heart? What did Peter say that he was ready to do? Did the time ever come when Peter was ready to lay down his life for Jesus’ sake? What does Jesus tenderly reveal to Simon Peter? Must Jesus ever thus expose our well-meaning but shallow professions of consecration and love? CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS 1. God the Father He sent Jesus Christ, 20; glorified Jesus Christ in Himself, 32; was glorified in Jesus Christ, 31, 32. 2. Jesus Christ (1). What He is: Divine, 19; compare Is. 43:10; human, 31, 36; subordinate of the Father, 21, 31, 32. (2). His character: Loving, 21, 34; gentle, 21, 38; persistent, 26; sensitive, 21. (3). How He was treated: Betrayed by one of the twelve, 21; denied by another, 38; glorified by the Father, 31, 32. (4). How to treat Him: Do not betray Him, 21; do not deny Him, 38; believe that He is He, 19; receive Him, 20. (5). His law for His disciples: Love one another even as I have loved you, 34, 35. 3. The Scriptures Their inspiration and certainty, 18. 4. Simon Peter Was anxious to know who should betray the Lord, 24; utterly ignorant of the weakness of his own heart, 36, 37; boasted of his own loyalty to Christ, 37; utterly failed in the hour of trial, 35; denied his Lord thrice, 38. 5. Judas Iscariot Had the privilege of the closest intimacy with Jesus Christ, 18; was loved by Jesus Christ, 21; Jesus would not give him up until the last moment, 26, 27; resisted all Jesus’ attempts to save him, 26, 27; Satan entered into him, 27; knowing that he had already made arrangements for the betrayal of the Lord, still with brazen effrontery asked, “Is it I, Rabbi?” Matt. 26:25.