Read the Passage: John 13

Listen to the Redeemed Mind Podcast: John 13

Peter’s Washing (13:1–20)

John 13:1 begins a section of this Gospel where Jesus teaches His followers on the evening before His crucifixion. Whereas John 5–12 was marked by Christ’s interaction with those who rejected Him, in John 13–17 Jesus will teach those who have believed in Him. Curiously, while John records much of what transpired in the upper room, unlike the other Gospel writers, John does not record the institution of the Lord’s Supper. Rather, John’s focus is on what Jesus’ taught after the supper. As this chapter begins, the meal had ended and Christ was aware of His impending death. John 13:1–11 records Jesus’ washing the disciples’ feet—an event that is only reported by John. Perhaps because the disciples had been arguing about their greatness (cf. Luke 22:24), as well as to give an example of humility, Christ assumed the role of a servant, and began to wash their feet.

Perhaps it could be expected that Peter would object to Jesus’ washing of his feet. Yet, once Peter understood that the washing was symbolic of cleansing, he readily agreed (cf. John 13:6–11). Next, in John 13:12–20 Christ taught the disciples about the significance of Him washing their feet. Whereas He had previously told them that they did not understand the reason for this act (cf. John 13:7), Jesus now explained, “You also ought to wash one another’s feet, for I have given you an example” (John 13:14–15). Furthermore, in order to address their prideful focus upon self-importance (cf. Matt. 20:20–24; Mark 9:34; Luke 9:46–48; 22:24), at John 13:16–17 Christ taught that true greatness is manifest in serving others. At John 13:1–3 Christ’s knowledge of His looming death and of His Father’s plan are emphasized. Indeed, at John 13:18–20 John even reports that Jesus knew about Judas’ impending betrayal.

Judas’ Betrayal (13:21–30)

As John 13:18 revealed, Jesus was completely aware that Judas was betraying Him. In fact, earlier at John 13:2, it was recorded that “the devil . . . [had] already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Jesus” (cf. Eph. 2:2; 6:12). Observe that each of the Gospel writers reports Judas’ betray of Christ; however, it is John who gives the most detailed account of this event. In this passage John records Jesus’ announcement of the betrayal (cf. John 13:21–22), the disciples’ questioning of Christ (cf. John 13:23–25), Jesus giving of bread to Judas (cf. John 13:26), Satan’s entering of Judas (cf. John 13:27–29), and Judas’ leaving the supper at Christ’s command (cf. John 13:30). Note that John refers to himself for the first time in this Gospel as the one “whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23). Additionally, observe that only John reports that Jesus actually gave a piece of bread to Judas to signify Judas’ betrayal.

Jesus’ Departure (13:31–38)

Throughout John’s Gospel, Jesus repeatedly alludes to His own death, beginning at the very start of His public ministry (cf. John 2:19). It ought not to be surprising, then, that after Judas departed to betray Him, Christ simply declares, “Now the Son of Man is glorified” (John 13:31). Judas’ traitorous act glorified Jesus, for this was all part of God’s plan to redeem His people. John 13:34 is an interesting verse, as here Christ said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, [so] you also love one another.” This is an intriguing statement, for Lev. 19:18 reads, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus’ new commandment, then, is not new in content, for this command was part of the Old Testament. Rather, this command is new in example, for Jesus displayed love, and new in capacity, for the Holy Spirit would soon arrive.

As Jesus taught His disciples in the upper room, Peter had already spoken regarding Christ’s washing of their feet (cf. John 13:8–9). It is not surprising, then, that in response to Jesus’ announcement about His coming departure, Peter spoke again and asked, “Lord, where are you going?” (John 13:36). After Christ explained that Peter could not following Him at that time, but would do so later, Peter declared His willingness to die for Jesus (cf. John 13:37). In response, Christ predicted Peter’s denial of Him three times (cf. John 13:38), an event that would later be fulfilled at John 18, and forgiven at John 21. Observe that Matthew and Mark record that it was not only Peter who pledged their lives to Jesus, but also all of the disciples did the same (cf. Matt. 26:35; Mark 14:31). Of course, within just a few hours all of the disciples would abandon Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Application Questions:

1. Why do many people find it difficult to accept help from others? Have you allowed Jesus to wash your feet?
2. Why is it important that Jesus’ knew about and even controlled the events that led up to His own death (cf. Rom. 5:8)?
3. Since it should have been obvious to Judas that Jesus knew of his plans, why did Judas follow through with the betrayal?
4. Since Jesus’ new commandment at John 13:34 is a citation of Lev. 19:18, what is new about this divine directive?
5. Should Peter have been concerned over Jesus’ prediction that he would eventually follow Christ in death?