John 13:18

“From now on I am telling you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may continue to believe that I am he”.

Jesus knew that the betrayal which would result in His shameful death, would come as a crushing blow to His disciples. He knew that they might then be tempted to think, ‘if Jesus were really from God would He not have known?’ and might finally lose hope. But God would not allow them to be tempted above what they were able. Jesus wanted them therefore to be aware that He knew beforehand about His coming betrayal. Thus could they be confident of Who He was.

‘From now on’ suggests that up to this point Jesus had wanted Judas to realise that there was still an opportunity for him not to go ahead with his betrayal. He had offered him every opportunity. It was only now that He drew a veil over these attempts, and declared in a way that Judas would understand that for him there was now no hope. He had gone too far. His opportunity had gone. So He was aware of the struggle that was going on in Judas’ head and had seen him finally determine, against every pleading of conscience, that he would go on with his plan. It was not, however, just something He accepted philosophically. It hurt Him deeply (John 13:21).