John 13

Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet

1 Before the Passover, Jesus knows his hour has come, and that he has loved his own unto the end. Never before had I thought of what leaving his disciples meant to Jesus. Though it was more than 20 years ago, I remember how heart-wrenching it was for us to leave those we loved in South Africa to come back “home.” But at least they understood what was going to happen. Jesus is not only having to leave them, they don’t understand why or where he is going. Coffman comments that this can also mean he loved them (and us) to the “uttermost,” to the point of giving his life for his disciples.

2 Judas has already decided to betray him. The devil has put it into his heart.

3-5 During a supper together, Jesus takes off his outer robe, wraps himself in a towel and begins to wash his disciples’ feet.

6-11 Peter: You’re washing my feet?

Jesus: Later you’ll understand.

Peter: You’ll never wash my feet!

Jesus: Then you can have no part of me.

Peter: In that case, wash my hands and head, too!

Jesus: If you have bathed, you only need to wash the feet. And almost all of you are clean. (For one was about to betray him.)

12-20 Jesus, returning to the table: What I have done for you as your Teacher is what you should do for each other. Servants are not greater than their masters. Not all of you will be blessed by this; one of you is against me. But it must happen, so you will believe that I am He. Whoever receives one I send receives him who sent me. He knew that they did not yet believe as they would after his death and resurrection. All along he had taught that those who received Him received His Father. Now he passes that principle on to His disciples.

Jesus Foretells His Betrayal

21-30 Jesus predicts that one at the table will betray him. Simon asks the one whom Jesus loves to ask Jesus who it is. Jesus replies that it is the one to whom he gives a bread dipped in gravy, then gives it to Judas and tells him to do quickly what he is going to do. The others at the table don’t understand Judas’s mission; they think it has to do with money. Judas, by Satan’s impulse, goes out into the night.

The New Commandment

31-33 Jesus: The Son of Man is now glorified, just has He has glorified the Father. I am with you just a little longer; where I go you cannot come.

34-35 This new commandment I give you: Love one another, as I have loved you. By this everyone will know you are my disciples.

Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial

36-38 Peter: Where are you going?

Jesus: You can not follow me now, but you can later.

Peter: Why not? I will die for you!

Jesus: Will you? Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.