1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him,
3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God,
4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist.
5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?”
7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.”
8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.”
9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!”
10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.”
11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you?
13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.
14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.
16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
18 I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’
19 I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he.
20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.
21 After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”
22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke.
23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus’ side,
24 So Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking.
25 So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?”
26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.
27 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.”
28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him.
29 Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor.
30 So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.
31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once.
33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
36 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.”
37 Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”
38 Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.
The True Meaning of John 13
This passage from the Gospel of John provides a glimpse into the final days of Jesus’s life on Earth. The author, John, was one of the twelve disciples who walked closely with Jesus and witnessed his ministry firsthand. Jesus gathers with his disciples for a final meal before his crucifixion in this chapter. Jesus demonstrates profound humility and love as they share this intimate moment together, setting an example for his followers. The events that unfold foreshadow the betrayal, suffering, and ultimate triumph that are to come.
We see Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, an act of service that challenges the traditional power dynamics. This sets the stage for Jesus’s teachings about the importance of humble service and love for one another – themes that echo throughout his ministry, as seen in passages like Matthew 20:26-28. The chapter also includes Jesus’s prediction of his betrayal by Judas, an event that will have far-reaching consequences in the days ahead.
John 13:1-5
The verses in John 13:1-5 read “It was just before the Passover Festival.” Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”
These verses are profoundly significant as they capture the essence of Jesus’ humility and servanthood. The setting being just before the Passover Festival adds to the weight of the moment, as this was a time of deep spiritual and historical significance for the Jewish people. Despite the impending betrayal by Judas, Jesus remains focused on demonstrating a radical act of love and humility to his disciples.
The mention of Judas here is crucial as it highlights the contrast between his deceitful intentions and Jesus’ pure love and selflessness. Judas, influenced by the devil, was about to commit the ultimate act of betrayal, yet Jesus, fully aware of this, does not waver in his love for his disciples, even for Judas himself. This serves as a powerful lesson on forgiveness and love, even in the face of betrayal and adversity.
The act of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet was a profound display of servanthood and humility. The Son of God, the Messiah, willingly took on the task of foot-washing to teach his disciples about the true nature of leadership and service, even though in that culture it was reserved for the lowliest of servants. This act symbolizes the cleansing of sin and the importance of serving others with love and humility. It also serves as a model for all believers to follow, to serve one another with a humble heart.
These verses in John 13 resonate with the overall message of Jesus’ ministry, which is one of love, sacrifice, and humility. They also echo themes found throughout the Bible, such as the call to love one another (John 13:34-35), the importance of humility (Philippians 2:3-8), and the value of serving others (Mark 10:45). Jesus’ actions in these verses challenge us to examine our own hearts, attitudes, and actions, and to strive to embody the same love and humility that he demonstrated.
John 13:6-11
The passage in John 13:6-11 focuses on Jesus’ act of washing His disciples’ feet, a powerful symbol of humility and servanthood. The key sections can be broken down as follows:
-
Verse 6: “He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet? Peter’s reaction to Jesus’ act of washing his feet in this section is one of shock and disbelief. Peter, known for his outspoken nature and often impulsive responses, struggled to comprehend why Jesus, his Lord and teacher, would stoop down to perform such a menial task. This interaction highlights Peter’s initial misunderstanding of the significance behind Jesus’ actions, reflecting the common human struggle to grasp the depth of Christ’s sacrificial love and humility.
-
Verses 7-8: “Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ ‘No,’ said Peter, ‘you shall never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no part with me. Jesus gently corrects Peter’s refusal in this exchange, emphasizing the necessity of allowing Him to perform this symbolic act of cleansing. Jesus’ response reveals a deeper spiritual truth – the need for individuals to humbly accept His cleansing and transformative work in their lives. Peter’s initial resistance mirrors the human tendency to resist surrendering to Christ’s grace and lordship fully. Peter (and by extension, all believers) experiences a deeper level of intimacy and relationship with the Lord by yielding to Jesus’ washing, underscoring the importance of submission and obedience in the Christian walk.
-
Verses 9-11: “Then, Lord,’ Simon Peter replied, ‘not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!’ Jesus answered, ‘Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.’ For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. Peter’s initial hesitancy transforms into a desire for an even deeper connection with Jesus in this final segment, illustrating a shift from misunderstanding to a more profound comprehension of spiritual truth. Jesus clarifies the symbolic nature of the foot-washing, using it to teach a lesson on the believer’s spiritual cleansing upon accepting Him as Savior. The reference to Judas’ impending betrayal serves as a poignant reminder that not all who walk with Christ are truly cleansed in heart and spirit, highlighting the distinction between outward appearance and inner purity before God. This passage in John 13 underscores essential themes of humility, service, spiritual cleansing, and the importance of accepting Christ’s work in one’s life. Jesus’ act of washing His disciples’ feet serves as a powerful example of selfless service and the call for believers to emulate His humility in their interactions with others. The transformation of Peter’s initial resistance into a desire for total surrender reflects the journey of faith and discipleship, marked by moments of misunderstanding, correction, and ultimately, spiritual clarity and growth. Through this event, Jesus not only demonstrates His love and servant leadership but also imparts timeless lessons on the nature of true discipleship and the transformative power of His grace.
John 13:12-17
Jesus demonstrates a powerful lesson on humility and servanthood to his disciples in John 13:12-17. Let’s break it down into sections for a deeper understanding.
Firstly, in verse 12, Jesus asks his disciples, “Do you understand what I have done for you?” This question goes beyond the surface of the physical act of washing their feet; it speaks to the deeper spiritual lesson Jesus is teaching. Jesus is showing his disciples the importance of humility and service by performing a task typically reserved for servants. Jesus sets an example for his disciples to follow in this act, emphasizing that true leadership is found in serving others. This act was radical in the social context of that time, where washing feet was the job of a servant, not a master or teacher. This challenges societal norms and teaches a profound lesson on the value of humility and service in the Kingdom of God.
Next, in verses 13-16, Jesus explains the significance of his actions, stating that they should follow his example of servanthood and humility. He highlights that even though he is their Lord and Teacher, he humbled himself to serve them, and they should do the same for others. Jesus is calling his disciples to a life of sacrificial service, putting the needs of others above their own desires and ambitions. This teaching echoes throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of humility and service in the Christian life. The apostle Paul reinforces this message in Philippians 2:3-8, urging believers to have the same mindset as Christ, who humbled himself and became a servant for the sake of others.
Lastly, in verse 17, Jesus ties it all together by emphasizing the blessings that come from living a life of servanthood. He states, “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” This highlights the transformative power of putting Jesus’ teachings into practice. The true blessing comes not just from understanding or knowing what is right but from actively living it out in service to others. This verse challenges believers to move beyond mere intellectual assent to the teachings of Jesus and to embody those teachings in their daily lives. James 1:22 echoes this sentiment, reminding us that we should be doers of the word, not just hearers. John 13:12-17 presents a profound lesson on humility, servanthood, and the transformative power of living out the teachings of Jesus. It challenges us to examine our attitudes towards serving others, to value humility over status, and to actively seek opportunities to serve those around us. We fulfill Jesus’ command to love one another and experience the blessings that come from a life lived in humble obedience to his teachings by following his example of sacrificial service.
John 13:18-20
Jesus is speaking to his disciples during the Last Supper in John 13:18-20, just before Judas Iscariot betrays him. He quotes a verse from Psalms 41:9 that says, “He who shared my bread has turned against me.” Jesus uses this to explain to his disciples that the one who will betray him has been predicted in Scripture and that this betrayal is part of God’s plan. This is a moment of deep significance as Jesus is preparing his disciples for the events that are about to unfold.
The mention of betrayal foreshadows the upcoming betrayal of Jesus by Judas. Judas Iscariot was one of the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus, but he would ultimately be the one to betray Him to the religious authorities for thirty pieces of silver. This act of betrayal is not only a fulfillment of prophecy but also serves as a demonstration of the depths of human sin and the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus would make for humanity.
This passage reinforces the concept of God’s sovereignty and the fulfillment of prophecy in the Bible. Throughout the Old Testament, there are many prophecies about the Messiah, and Jesus, by fulfilling these prophecies, confirms his identity as the promised Savior. This also highlights the theme of obedience and submission to God’s will, even in the face of betrayal and suffering. Jesus knew what was going to happen to Him, yet He willingly submitted to God’s plan for the redemption of humanity.
Furthermore, in John 13:20, Jesus affirms the principle of authority and representation. He tells the disciples, “Whoever receives anyone I send receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives the One who sent Me.” This statement emphasizes the interconnectedness between Jesus, His messengers, and God the Father. It asserts that those who accept and believe in Jesus also accept and believe in God, reinforcing the concept of the Trinity and the unity of purpose within the Godhead.
This declaration by Jesus underscores the importance of faith and obedience to His teachings. Jesus also speaks about receiving His messengers and the implications of doing so in other parts of the Bible, such as Matthew 10:40 and Luke 10:16. This serves as a reminder to believers that by accepting and following Jesus, they are aligning themselves with the will of God and participating in His divine plan for salvation.
John 13:21-30
Several important sections in John 13:21-30 provide a rich insight into the events leading up to Jesus’ betrayal by Judas Iscariot. The first section, verse 21, sets the stage by mentioning Jesus being troubled in spirit. This signifies the emotional turmoil Jesus was experiencing, knowing what lay ahead of him. This moment shows the humanity of Jesus as he grapples with the impending betrayal.
Moving on to verse 22, the disciples are perplexed and uncertain about who would betray Jesus. This uncertainty among the disciples highlights the sense of loyalty and camaraderie they had with Jesus. It also serves to underscore the cunning nature of Judas’ betrayal. Judas Iscariot, the one who would eventually betray Jesus, sits among the disciples, unnoticed for the most part. This speaks to the subtlety and deceitfulness of betrayal, often coming from unexpected quarters. Jesus predicts his betrayal more explicitly in verse 26 by offering the dipped bread to Judas, symbolizing a sign of friendship and favor. Despite knowing Judas’ intentions, Jesus treats him with love and kindness. This act of grace and forgiveness, even in the face of betrayal, demonstrates Jesus’ unwavering commitment to his mission of love and redemption. It is a powerful reminder for us to show compassion and forgiveness towards those who wrong us, following the example set by Christ.
Lastly, in verse 27, Satan enters Judas, marking the ultimate moment of betrayal. This pivotal point emphasizes the spiritual warfare at play, with evil forces seeking to derail God’s plan through Judas’ actions. Judas’ betrayal was a fulfillment of prophecy, yet it also underscores the free will given to individuals to make choices. Despite the darkness of this moment, it ultimately leads to the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
Reflecting on this passage in the broader context of the Bible, we see themes of loyalty, deception, forgiveness, and the clash between good and evil. Judas Iscariot’s story serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of greed, betrayal, and turning away from the light. Jesus exemplifies unwavering faithfulness, sacrificial love, and ultimately, victorious redemption through his crucifixion and resurrection.
Other verses in the Bible that echo these themes include Matthew 26: 47-50, where Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss, and Luke 22:3-6, which sheds light on Judas’ motivations and the influence of Satan on his actions. These passages collectively offer a comprehensive view of the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, emphasizing the complex interplay of human choices and divine providence in the grand narrative of salvation history.
John 13:31-35
Jesus speaks to his disciples after Judas leaves to betray him in John 13:31-35. This passage begins with Jesus saying, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him.” Here, Jesus is preparing his disciples for the events that are about to unfold, ultimately leading to his crucifixion and resurrection. He refers to himself as the “Son of Man,” a title he often used to emphasize his humanity and his role as the fulfillment of messianic prophecies. Jesus underscores the divine purpose of his impending suffering and death by stating that God is glorified in him.
Jesus continues by saying, “If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once.” This statement reveals the interconnectedness of the Father and the Son in their divine mission. Throughout the Gospel of John, there is a recurrent theme of mutual glorification between the Father and the Son. Jesus’ obedience to the Father’s will, even unto death on the cross, ultimately leads to his exaltation and glorification. Jesus gives his disciples a new commandment in the following verses: “Love one another. You must love one another as I have loved you.” This commandment to love others as Jesus has loved them is a foundational principle of Christianity. Jesus challenges his followers to go beyond societal norms and expectations by setting this standard of love. His sacrificial love, demonstrated by his impending death on the cross, serves as the ultimate example of selfless love that believers are called to emulate. Jesus states, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another,” underscoring the importance of love.” Here, Jesus emphasizes that genuine love among his followers is not only a defining characteristic of discipleship but also a powerful witness to the world of their relationship with him. Throughout the New Testament, love is portrayed as the greatest virtue that believers can embody. The apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:13, “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love.” But the greatest of these is love. Jesus prepares his disciples for the trials ahead, reaffirms the unity between the Father and the Son, and imparts a timeless commandment of love that continues to be a hallmark of Christian faith and practice in these verses. The message of sacrificial love and unity as exemplified by Jesus himself transcends time and remains a central tenet of Christian discipleship.
John 13:36-38
Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?” as stated in John 13:36-38.’ Jesus replied, ‘Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.’ Peter asked, ‘Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.’ Then Jesus answered, ‘Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!’”
This section of the scripture showcases a poignant interaction between Jesus and Peter. Peter, often known for his impulsive and bold nature, expresses his loyalty and willingness to follow Jesus wherever He goes, even to the extent of laying down his own life. However, Jesus, in His divine wisdom, forewarns Peter of his imminent denial. This conversation foreshadows the events that would unfold in the following chapters, where Peter, out of fear, would indeed deny Jesus three times before the rooster crows, just as Jesus predicted.
This dialogue between Jesus and Peter serves as a powerful reminder of human fallibility and the weakness of the flesh. Despite Peter’s genuine intentions and deep love for Jesus, he still faltered in his faith during a moment of trial. This narrative illustrates the importance of humility, self-awareness, and reliance on God’s grace. It teaches us that even the most ardent followers of Christ are susceptible to moments of doubt and failure.
The account of Peter’s denial also emphasizes the redemptive nature of Jesus’ love and forgiveness. After the resurrection, Jesus specifically seeks out Peter to reinstate him and commission him to shepherd His flock (John 21:15-19). This act of restoration highlights the transformative power of Christ’s forgiveness and the opportunity for redemption even after moments of denial and betrayal. Peter’s denial and subsequent restoration reflect the overall theme of grace, forgiveness, and the unwavering love of Christ found throughout the Bible in a broader sense. It reaffirms that no matter how many times we may stumble or fall, God’s mercy is always available for those who sincerely repent and turn back to Him (1 John 1:9). This narrative serves as a testament to the enduring faithfulness of Jesus, who not only knows our weaknesses but also provides a path for reconciliation and renewal.
After John 13
Jesus demonstrated the ultimate act of humility by washing the feet of his disciples in this chapter. Through this powerful gesture, he taught them the importance of serving others with love and humility. Jesus also foretold his betrayal by one of his own disciples, showing the depth of his knowledge and the fulfillment of prophecy. Let us reflect on these events, remembering the lessons of humility, service, and the importance of remaining faithful even in the face of betrayal. We should hold onto these teachings in our hearts as we prepare to enter the next chapter of Jesus’ journey. Let us strive to follow his example of love and service, even when we face challenges and betrayals. May we find strength in his words and continue to walk in his footsteps, spreading his message of love and redemption to all we encounter.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.