John 13
John Chapter 13 records the events of the night when Jesus, just before going to the cross, spends his last time with the disciples. This chapter can be divided into three main parts. First, the scene in which Jesus washes the disciples’ feet and shows an example of true service (verses 1–17). Second, the prediction of Judas Iscariot’s betrayal (verses 18–30). Third, the scene in which Jesus gives a new commandment and predicts Peter’s denial (verses 31–38). Each part contains Jesus’ love and deep care for the disciples, along with his final teachings for them.
1verseNow before the feast of the Passover, Jesus, knowing that his time had come that he would depart from this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
2verseDuring supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him,
3verseJesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he came from God and was going to God,
4versearose from supper, and laid aside his outer garments. He took a towel and wrapped a towel around his waist.
5verseThen he poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
6verseThen he came to Simon Peter. He said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?”
7verseJesus answered him, “You don’t know what I am doing now, but you will understand later.”
8versePeter said to him, “You will never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me.”
9verseSimon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!”
10verseJesus said to him, “Someone who has bathed only needs to have his feet washed, but is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you.”
11verseFor he knew him who would betray him; therefore he said, “You are not all clean.”
12verseSo when he had washed their feet, put his outer garment back on, and sat down again, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you?
13verseYou call me, ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord.’ You say so correctly, for so I am.
14verseIf I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
15verseFor I have given you an example, that you should also do as I have done to you.
16verseMost certainly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his lord, neither is one who is sent greater than he who sent him.
17verseIf you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
18verseI don’t speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with me has lifted up his heel against me.’
19verseFrom now on, I tell you before it happens, that when it happens, you may believe that I am he.
20verseMost certainly I tell you, he who receives whomever I send, receives me; and he who receives me, receives him who sent me.”
21verseWhen Jesus had said this, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, “Most certainly I tell you that one of you will betray me.”
22verseThe disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom he spoke.
23verseOne of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was at the table, leaning against Jesus’ chest.
24verseSimon Peter therefore beckoned to him, and said to him, “Tell us who it is of whom he speaks.”
25verseHe, leaning back, as he was, on Jesus’ chest, asked him, “Lord, who is it?”
26verseJesus therefore answered, “It is he to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.
27verseAfter the piece of bread, then Satan entered into him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.”
28verseNow nobody at the table knew why he said this to him.
29verseFor some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus said to him, “Buy what things we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor.
30verseTherefore having received that morsel, he went out immediately. It was night.
31verseWhen he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him.
32verseIf God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him immediately.
33verseLittle children, I will be with you a little while longer. You will seek me, and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you can’t come,’ so now I tell you.
34verseA new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another.
35verseBy this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
36verseSimon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you can’t follow now, but you will follow afterwards.”
37versePeter said to him, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”
38verseJesus answered him, “Will you lay down your life for me? Most certainly I tell you, the rooster won’t crow until you have denied me three times.
The Event of Washing the Disciples’ Feet (Verses 1–17)
Before Jesus is arrested, the scene in which he personally washes the disciples’ feet is recorded only in the Gospel of John. This action was considered a lowly task that only servants or slaves would do in that society, and it shows that Jesus humbled himself and served and loved the disciples. In addition, Jesus says, “You also should wash one another’s feet” (verse 14), emphasizing the essence of service and the importance of humble love.
The Prediction of Judas’ Betrayal (Verses 18–30)
In this section, Jesus predicts that one of the disciples will betray him. The disciples are troubled because they do not know who it is, but it becomes clear that it is Judas Iscariot, who had received the bread from Jesus. This prediction shows that human weakness and God’s providence work together, and it reveals that Jesus knows everything about every situation.
The New Commandment and the Prediction of Peter’s Denial (Verses 31–38)
After Judas Iscariot leaves, Jesus gives the disciples a new commandment: “Love one another” (verse 34). This love is a sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrated, and it is the key to showing that the disciples are Christ’s disciples in the world. Next, although Peter says that he will follow Jesus to the end of his life, Jesus predicts that he will deny him three times, reminding him of human limitations and the need for grace.
Meditation Points
- What is true love and service? Think about it.
- When I serve and love someone, reflect on how closely I am following Jesus’ example.
- From the way Jesus loved his disciples to the very end, take time to meditate on the depth of the Lord’s love.
Try Applying It to Me
- In the position or role I have, check whether I am practicing service and humility.
- Even in the midst of rejection, betrayal, and misunderstanding, ask for the strength to love steadfastly, and think about concrete ways to practice love for the people around you.
