I tell you this now, before it takes place, so that when it does take place, you may believe that I am he — Jesus foreknows the betrayal and tells it in advance so that the disciples' faith will not shatter when it occurs; they will see that Jesus possessed knowledge transcending time, that the events unfold according to his word. The affirmation "I am he" (ego eimi) recalls the divine name revealed to Moses; Jesus' ability to speak future events and have them occur proves his divine authority. Foreknowledge is not predestination but prophetic vision; Jesus tells what will happen, but Judas remains responsible for his choice.

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