1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put 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 was come from God, and went to God;
4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe [them] with the towel wherewith he was girded.
6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also [my] hands and [my] head.
10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash [his] feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for [so] I am.
14 If I then, [your] Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
19 Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am [he].
20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
21 When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
22 Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.
23 Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.
25 He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
26 Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped [it]. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave [it] to Judas Iscariot, [the son] of Simon.
27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.
28 Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.
29 For some [of them] thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy [those things] that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.
30 He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.
31 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
32 If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.
33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
36 Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.
37 Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.
38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.
Overview of John Chapter 13
John Chapter 13 marks a significant moment in the Gospel narrative, as it introduces the Last Supper, a pivotal event in the life of Jesus and his disciples. This chapter is rich in themes of servanthood, love, betrayal, and the establishment of a new commandment.
Key Themes
- Servanthood: Jesus demonstrates the principle of serving others through the act of washing his disciples’ feet.
- Betrayal: The chapter foreshadows Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus, highlighting themes of loyalty and treachery.
- Love: Jesus emphasizes the importance of love among his followers, introducing a new commandment to love one another.
- Identity of Jesus: The chapter reinforces Jesus’ identity as the Messiah and his divine authority.
Detailed Analysis
1. The Foot Washing (Verses 1-17)
In the opening verses, Jesus takes on the role of a servant by washing the feet of his disciples. This act is profound for several reasons:
- Symbolism of Humility: Foot washing was a task reserved for the lowest servant. By performing this act, Jesus exemplifies humility and sets a standard for his followers.
- Teaching Moment: Jesus uses this moment to teach his disciples about the nature of true leadership and service. He instructs them to follow his example.
- Spiritual Cleansing: The act also symbolizes spiritual cleansing, as Jesus explains that those who are “bathed” are clean, except for the one who will betray him.
2. The Prediction of Betrayal (Verses 18-30)
In these verses, Jesus reveals that one of his disciples will betray him. This moment is critical for several reasons:
- Fulfillment of Scripture: Jesus cites a Psalm to indicate that betrayal was foretold, emphasizing the sovereignty of God in the unfolding events.
- Judas Iscariot’s Role: The identification of Judas as the betrayer raises questions about free will and predestination. Judas’ actions are both a personal choice and part of a divine plan.
- Emotional Impact: The revelation creates a tense atmosphere among the disciples, showcasing their confusion and sorrow regarding the impending betrayal.
3. The New Commandment (Verses 31-35)
After revealing the betrayal, Jesus issues a new commandment to his disciples:
- Love One Another: Jesus commands his followers to love one another as he has loved them. This love is selfless and sacrificial.
- Identity Through Love: Jesus states that their love for one another will be the distinguishing mark of his disciples, emphasizing the importance of community and fellowship.
4. Peter’s Denial Foretold (Verses 36-38)
In the final part of the chapter, Peter expresses his willingness to follow Jesus to death, only to be told that he will deny Jesus three times before the rooster crows. This moment highlights:
- Human Weakness: Peter’s bold declaration contrasts with his impending failure, illustrating the theme of human frailty in the face of trial.
- Foreknowledge of Jesus: Jesus’ prediction underscores his divine knowledge of future events, reinforcing his identity as the Son of God.
Conclusion
John Chapter 13 serves as a profound narrative that encapsulates key elements of Jesus’ ministry. Through the acts of foot washing, the prediction of betrayal, the commandment to love, and the foretelling of Peter’s denial, the chapter invites readers to reflect on the nature of true discipleship, the significance of love, and the complexities of human relationships in the context of faith.
