‏ John 13

Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet

This section records what happened just before the Passover Festival, as Jesus spent his final hours with his disciples. It shows Jesus’ deep love for his followers and teaches about humility and serving others. Jesus sets an example for his disciples to follow, even as he knows he will soon be betrayed and return to the Father.

v. 1: Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and go to the Father. He had always loved his own who were in the world, and he now showed them the full extent of his love. This moment is important because it shows Jesus’ awareness of his coming death and his determination to show love to his disciples to the very end. His love is not just a feeling but is shown in action.

v. 2: During the meal, the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Jesus. Even while Jesus is showing great love and humility, evil is at work in the heart of Judas. This verse reminds us that, even in the closest group of Jesus’ followers, there can be danger and temptation.

v. 3: Jesus knew that the Father had given all things into his hands, that he had come from God, and was returning to God. Jesus understood his authority and his divine origin. He knew his mission and the glory that awaited him after the cross.

v. 4: So, Jesus got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. He was about to do the work of a servant. This act shows that true greatness in God’s kingdom comes through humble service.

v. 5: Jesus poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. Washing feet was a lowly task, usually done by the lowest servant. Jesus, their Lord and Teacher, did this to teach them that they should serve others in the same way.

v. 6-7: When Jesus came to Peter, Peter objected, asking, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” Peter did not understand why Jesus would do such a humble thing. Jesus explained that some things are only understood after they have happened.

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v. 8: Peter protested, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” Jesus teaches that everyone must accept his cleansing to belong to him. If we refuse what Jesus offers, we cannot be his followers.

v. 9: Simon Peter replied, “Lord, not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” Peter wanted to be fully included with Jesus, even if he did not fully understand.

v. 10: 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.” Jesus was saying that his disciples were spiritually clean, except for Judas, who would betray him.

v. 11: For Jesus knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not everyone was clean. Jesus’ knowledge of Judas’ plan shows his divine insight and patience, but also the sadness of betrayal among friends.

v. 12-15: After washing their feet, Jesus put on his clothes and returned to his place. He asked, “Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” Jesus wants his disciples to follow his example of humble service and love toward one another.

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v. 16-17: Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” Jesus reminds his disciples that they should not think they are too important to serve others. Blessing comes from obeying his example.

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Jesus Predicts His Betrayal

This section focuses on Jesus’ warning to His disciples about the coming betrayal by one of them. Jesus shows that He knows what will happen, and that even this painful event is part of God’s plan and fulfills Scripture. Jesus also encourages His disciples and emphasizes the importance of their mission. The passage shows Jesus’ love, knowledge, and willingness to face what is ahead.

v. 18: Jesus tells His disciples that He is not speaking about all of them—He knows whom He has chosen. But Scripture must be fulfilled: “He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9 ^a). Jesus knows that Judas will betray Him, just as King David was betrayed by a close friend. Jesus wants His disciples to understand that even betrayal is part of God’s plan and was predicted in the Old Testament.

v. 19: Jesus explains that He is telling them these things ahead of time, so that when they happen, the disciples will believe that He is the Messiah. By predicting what will take place, Jesus wants to strengthen their faith. When they see the betrayal and His death, they will remember His words and know that He truly is the Son of God.

v. 20: Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” This means that when the disciples go out in Jesus’ name, people who welcome them are really welcoming Jesus Himself—and also welcoming God the Father, who sent Him. Jesus wants His disciples to know how important their mission is.

v. 21: Jesus is deeply troubled and tells them plainly, “One of you will betray me.” This shows how much the coming betrayal hurts Him. He is not a distant teacher, but someone who feels real pain and sadness over what Judas is about to do.

v. 22: The disciples are shocked and uncertain. They look at each other, not sure who Jesus is talking about. This shows that Judas did not stand out as a traitor—he was trusted just like the others.

v. 23-25: One of the disciples, whom Jesus loved (probably John), is sitting close to Jesus. Simon Peter signals to him to ask Jesus who He means. The beloved disciple leans back against Jesus and asks, “Lord, who is it?” This shows the closeness of the disciples to Jesus and their desire to understand what is happening.

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v. 26: Jesus answers, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” He dips the bread and gives it to Judas Iscariot. This act of giving bread was a sign of friendship, but it also identifies Judas as the betrayer.

v. 27: After Judas takes the bread, Satan enters into him. Jesus tells him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Judas has made his choice, and now he will leave to carry out his plan to betray Jesus.

v. 28-29: The other disciples do not understand why Jesus says this to Judas. Some think Jesus is telling him to buy what they need for the feast or to give something to the poor, since Judas was in charge of the money bag.

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v. 30: Judas takes the bread and immediately goes out. The Bible notes that it was night, reminding us that this act of betrayal happens in darkness. Judas leaves the light of Jesus’ presence to do something evil.

The New Commandment and Peter’s Denial Foretold

After Judas left to carry out his betrayal, Jesus spoke to His remaining disciples. He explained that now was the moment for Him, the Son of Man, to be glorified. Jesus wanted His followers to understand that His coming suffering and death would also be the time when God would reveal His glory through Him. This section contains some of the most important teachings Jesus gave before His crucifixion, including the command to love one another, and a warning to Peter about his coming denial.

v. 31: When Judas had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him.” Jesus knew that His betrayal, suffering, and death were about to happen. He wanted His disciples to see that these events would not be a defeat, but the time when God’s plan would be shown most clearly. Jesus’ obedience and love, even to death, would bring honor to God.

v. 32: Jesus continued, “If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him at once.” He explained that God would not only be honored through Jesus’ death, but would also honor Jesus by raising Him from the dead and bringing Him to heaven. The glory would not be delayed—God would act quickly to show who Jesus really is (Philippians 2:8-11 ^b).

v. 33: Jesus called the disciples “little children” as a sign of His love and care for them. He told them, “I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I say to you: Where I am going, you cannot come.” Jesus meant that He was going to the cross, and then to be with the Father in heaven. For now, the disciples could not follow Him there, though they would later.

v. 34: Jesus gave them a new commandment: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” This love would be the sign that they truly belonged to Him. The standard for their love was Jesus’ own love—sacrificial, patient, and forgiving. This was a new commandment because it was based on Christ’s example and empowered by His Spirit (1 John 3:16 ^c).

v. 35: Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Their love for each other would show the world that they followed Jesus. This love would be different from what people saw in the world, and would make others want to know more about Jesus.

Peter's Self-Confidence

This section shows the conversation between Peter and Jesus during the Last Supper. Peter is eager and confident, but Jesus gently corrects him. The story teaches us about curiosity, overconfidence, and the need to rely on Jesus’ strength, not our own. It also reminds us that even strong followers can be weak and need God’s grace.

v. 36: Peter boldly asked Jesus, "Lord, where are you going?" (John 13:36 ^d). He remembered that Jesus said, "Where I am going, you cannot come." (John 13:33 ^e). Instead of focusing on Jesus’ teachings about love, Peter was curious about the secrets Jesus had not explained. This shows how people sometimes care more about mysteries than about practical things we should do. Jesus answered, "You cannot follow me now, but you will follow later." At this moment, Peter was not ready to go through the same suffering as Jesus. Jesus cared for his disciples and did not expect them to face more than they could handle. Peter would one day follow Jesus, even in suffering, but he was not ready yet. Believers must learn and grow before facing big challenges.

Peter asked, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.” Jesus was speaking about His death and return to the Father. Peter could not go with Him now, but one day he would follow Jesus, even in suffering and death.

v. 37: Peter insisted, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." Peter wanted to show his loyalty and was hurt that Jesus doubted his strength. He truly loved Jesus and was willing to die for him, or so he thought. Like Peter, we might say we can do anything for God, but we often forget we need his help. Peter’s question was bold, and he did not like the idea that he was not strong enough. It is common for people to become proud and think they can handle anything alone (Acts 20:24; John 21:17 ^f).

Peter said, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you!” Peter wanted to show his loyalty and love. But he did not understand his own weakness.

v. 38: Jesus replied with a serious warning, "Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." (John 13:38 ^g). Jesus knew Peter better than Peter knew himself. He pointed out Peter’s overconfidence and reminded him that it is easy to make big promises but hard to keep them. Jesus said Peter would soon deny him, not just once but three times, before morning. The crowing of the rooster would remind Peter of this failure and lead him to repentance. Jesus’ prediction was not to make Peter sin, but to show that Jesus knows our weaknesses. Even strong believers can fall if they trust their own strength too much (1 Corinthians 10:12 ^h). This story warns us to be humble and depend on Jesus, not on ourselves.

Jesus replied, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!” Jesus warned Peter that, though he meant well, he would soon deny even knowing Jesus. This was a reminder that we need God’s help to be faithful, and that Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves (Mark 14:66-72 ⁱ).