Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spoke.
looked.
Genesis 42:1 Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another?
Matthew 26:22 And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?
Mark 14:19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?
perplexed
The disciples' perplexity reveals their lack of understanding regarding Jesus' prediction of betrayal. Despite having spent significant time with Jesus, they are still grappling with the full implications of His teachings and the events unfolding. This confusion is a common theme in the Gospels, where the disciples often struggle to comprehend Jesus' mission and the nature of His kingdom. Their perplexity also highlights the unexpected nature of the betrayal, as Judas was one of their own, trusted and part of their inner circle.
as to which of them He meant
This phrase indicates that the disciples did not immediately suspect Judas, showing that his betrayal was not obvious to them. It suggests that Judas was outwardly indistinguishable from the other disciples in terms of behavior and commitment. This moment fulfills the prophecy found in Psalm 41:9, where it is foretold that a close friend would betray the Messiah. The uncertainty among the disciples also serves to emphasize the gravity of the situation, as they each question their own loyalty and faithfulness to Jesus. This introspection is a poignant reminder of human frailty and the need for vigilance in one's spiritual walk.
• The moment follows Jesus’ stunning declaration, “Truly, truly, I tell you, one of you will betray Me” (John 13:21).
• Their shared glance reveals immediate corporate unease. Nobody assumes innocence for the group; everyone senses the gravity of Jesus’ words (Luke 22:23).
• The gaze also shows fellowship—these men have walked with Jesus three years. Betrayal from inside that inner circle feels unthinkable (Psalm 55:12-14; John 6:70-71).
• “Perplexed” captures honest bewilderment. Even though Jesus had repeatedly predicted His betrayal (Matthew 17:22-23; Mark 9:31-32), the disciples still struggle to process it.
• Their confusion exposes human limitation: proximity to truth does not guarantee immediate understanding (John 12:16).
• It also highlights how sin can lurk undetected, prompting humility rather than presumption (Proverbs 20:9; 1 Corinthians 10:12).
• Each disciple silently examines his own heart. In Matthew’s parallel account they ask, “Surely not I, Lord?” (Matthew 26:22).
• This self-searching attitude models a healthy response when confronted by the possibility of sin—look inward before pointing outward (2 Corinthians 13:5; Psalm 139:23-24).
• Jesus’ statement forces them to reckon with the uncomfortable truth that even close followers can betray Him, underscoring humanity’s need for grace (Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:23-24).
John 13:22 shows loyal companions suddenly unsettled by Jesus’ prophecy. Their mutual glance reveals communal shock; their perplexity underscores limited spiritual perception; their concern about “which of them” prompts sober self-examination. Together these reactions call modern disciples to humility, vigilance, and dependence on God’s grace, confident that Scripture’s record is both accurate and instructive for every generation.
(22) Then the disciples looked one on another.--Comp. Matthew 26:22 et seq., and the parallel in Mark 14:19 and Luke 22:23. St. Matthew and St. Mark both state that they expressed their doubt in words, and St. Luke's narrative implies this questioning, but as addressed to one another, not to our Lord ("And they began to inquire among themselves"). St. John remembers the look of astonishment, and the way in which each tried to read the countenance of his brother as they all heard the words, which asserted that there was a traitor in their midst. He was nearest to our Lord, and knew what others may not have known, how Peter beckoned to him, and how he put the question to our Lord. This is the moment which has been caught in Leonardo da Vinci's famous masterpiece in the refectory of the Dominican Fathers at Milan. The painting itself has almost passed away, but perhaps no work of art is so widely known. The three Apostles mentioned in the text are all on the right of our Lord. John is nearest to Him, and leaning towards Peter, who stretches behind Judas to speak to "the disciple whom Jesus loved." Judas, clutching the bag and upsetting the salt, declaring in every feature of that wondrous face, which cost Da Vinci a whole year's study in the lowest quarter of the city, that he is the traitor, is on the right hand of John, and between him and Peter. This verse can have no better comment than a study of this great picture, accompanied by the chapter in Lanzi's Storia Pittorica or Mrs. Jameson's Sacred and Legendary Art, would provide, and Englishmen have a noble copy of it in their own National Gallery. (See the Sacred and Legendary Art, Ed. 3, 1857, vol. i., p. 209.)