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.
And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him;
Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
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.
Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
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.
For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
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?
Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
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.
If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
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.
Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
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.
Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.
Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.
He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
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.
And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.
Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.
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.
He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.
Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.
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.
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
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.
Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.
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.
John 13 marks a pivotal shift in the Gospel of John. The first twelve chapters showcase Jesus' public ministry, filled with miracles and teachings aimed at the wider world. From this chapter onward, the focus narrows to the intimate moments Jesus shares with His disciples in the hours leading up to His crucifixion. These final instructions, filled with profound truths central to the Christian faith, begin with a powerful lesson in humility and a stark prophecy of betrayal. For those seeking to understand the heart of Christ and His expectations for His followers, John 13 offers invaluable insights.
The Context: From Public Ministry to Private Revelation
As Jesus prepares to transition from public ministry to the ultimate act of sacrifice, John emphasizes Jesus' complete awareness of the events unfolding around Him. Even as Judas secretly plots betrayal, nothing is hidden from the Lord. This chapter, and those that follow through chapter 17, unveils the private teachings of Jesus, offering a glimpse into His heart and His desires for His disciples. This section begins after Christ's impassioned plea to the world, recorded at the end of John 12 (John 12:44–50).
A Servant's Heart: Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet (John 13:1-20)
The act of Jesus washing the disciples' feet is a powerful demonstration of humility and servanthood. In the ancient world, foot washing was a task reserved for servants, a necessary chore given the dusty, often filthy, roads. For Jesus, the Master and Lord, to perform this task for His disciples was shocking, especially to Peter.
John 13:1-2 tells us that Jesus loved his own—his disciples—to the end. He had invested three years in teaching, leading, praying for, and loving them. Yet, despite this deep connection, Judas Iscariot was about to betray Him, opening his heart to the influence of the devil (John 13:2).
Jesus, fully aware of His divine identity—that He had come from God and was returning to God (John 13:3) and being the Creator of the universe (see John 1:1-3)—humbled Himself. This echoes Paul's words in Philippians 2:6-7, where he describes Jesus emptying Himself, taking on the form of a servant. This was not a denial of His Lordship, but a powerful display of the humility and sacrificial love that should characterize all who follow Him. Excuses like "I'm too good for that" or "that's for lesser people" have no place in the life of a Christian.
Peter's initial refusal highlights the cultural discomfort with this role reversal. Jesus makes it clear that though they didn't understand what he was doing, later they would (John 13:7). However, Peter would have none of it: You will never wash my feet. But unless Jesus washed him, he could have no fellowship with him (John 13:8). Peter's emphatic response, "Give me a shower!" (John 13:9), reveals his desire to be connected to Jesus, no matter the cost.
Jesus then explains the deeper meaning of His actions. He distinguishes between a one-time "bathing" and daily "washing" (John 13:10). The Lord made it clear that though they didn’t understand what he was doing, later they would (13:7). However, Peter would have none of it: You will never wash my feet. But unless Jesus washed him, he could have no fellowship with him (13:8). “In that case,” Peter essentially said, “forget the foot wash. Give me a shower!” (13:9). With this statement, Peter revealed his heart. He was willing to do anything to show Jesus that he didn’t want to be disconnected from him. This illustrates the difference between initial salvation and the ongoing need for confession and repentance to maintain fellowship with Christ (1 John 1:9). If one has bathed, he only needs to wash his feet (13:10). In other words, if you’re already saved, you don’t need to be saved again. You just need to address the dirty areas in your life so that you can stay clean. To maintain fellowship with the Lord, we must regularly come to him in confession and repentance.
After washing their feet, Jesus exhorts His disciples to follow His example (John 13:12-17). As their Lord and Teacher, He has shown them how to serve one another, especially in the messiness of life where people are hurting and suffering. A servant is not greater than his master (13:14-16).
This command transcends the literal act of foot washing. It calls us to a lifestyle of service within the family of God, helping others when things get "dirty." It’s a call to proactively seek out opportunities to serve, especially when it involves uncomfortable or undesirable tasks.
Jesus reminds them that He knows who is truly His and hints at the presence of a betrayer among them (John 13:18-20). Importantly, those he had chosen (13:18) is a reference to those chosen for service, not for salvation. The Scripture Jesus quotes is from Psalm 41:9. Just as David was betrayed, so also the Messiah—the Son of David—would be betrayed. Jesus wanted them to know that he knew the future and was in control. When everything happened just as he foretold, it would be further evidence of his divine identity (13:19). Whoever receives anyone I send receives me, and the one who receives me receives him who sent me. The one who receives the Son of God receives God the Father because the Son is the way to the Father (see 14:6). But Jesus added, “Whoever receives anyone I send receives me.” When we go into the world in the name of Jesus and proclaim his gospel and his teachings, we go as his and the Father’s authorized representatives.
The Shadow of Betrayal: Identifying the Traitor (John 13:21-30)
Troubled in spirit, Jesus announces that one of them will betray Him (John 13:21). This revelation, previously known to the readers of John's Gospel (John 6:66-71; 12:4), sends shockwaves through the disciples.
Peter, anxious to know the truth, prompts John, "the disciple whom Jesus loved," to ask Jesus the identity of the betrayer (John 13:23-25). Jesus identifies Judas as the one to whom He will give a piece of bread (John 13:26).
Offering food was a sign of friendship; therefore, Jesus was extending a final offer of grace and mercy to the one who was about to betray him. Judas took the bread, but he rejected the offer of friendship: Satan entered him (13:27). Yet Satan only entered him because Judas had invited him by rejecting Jesus and intending to betray him (see commentary on 13:1-2).
Jesus then tells Judas to complete his task (John 13:27), using language that could be interpreted as either a command or a resigned acceptance. The other disciples, still unaware of Judas's true intentions, assume he is being sent to make preparations for the Passover feast (John 13:28-29). John highlights the symbolism of Judas leaving Jesus' presence and disappearing into the darkness (John 13:30), a stark contrast to the light and truth that Jesus represents.
A New Commandment: Love One Another (John 13:31-35)
With Judas gone, Jesus begins His final instructions, focusing on the importance of love among believers. Now the Son of Man is glorified (13:31) refers to why Jesus had come into the world. He would offer himself as a substitutionary atonement and then be raised from the dead. The Son would glorify the Father, and the Father would glorify the Son (13:32); they would mutually advertise one another’s glory. Highlighting the greatness of God, in fact, is what Christians are called to as well. Everything we do—in thought, word, and deed—is to be done for the glory of God (see 1 Cor 10:31).
He gives them a new command: Love one another (13:34). It was new because it related to what was about to happen within the family of God. This "new commandment" isn't entirely novel, as the concept of loving one's neighbor is present throughout the Old Testament (Leviticus 19:18). However, Jesus redefines and elevates this love, emphasizing its importance within the Christian community.
Biblical love is the decision to compassionately, responsibly, and righteously pursue the well-being of another person. It’s not the same as liking someone. To like someone or something is to express a feeling. By contrast, loving someone may or may not have feelings connected to it. Love is a decision to seek another’s best, regardless of your feelings.
Jesus declares that this love will be the defining characteristic of His disciples (John 13:35). Knowing the Bible is essential, but knowledge means nothing without love (see 1 Cor 13:1-3). A loveless Christian actually undermines the gospel. Why? Because, as John says elsewhere, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). How can people come to know the God who perfectly expresses love—both within the Trinity and to humanity—if his representatives don’t demonstrate love?
Peter's Bold Claim and Jesus's Prophecy (John 13:36-38)
In response to Jesus's talk of leaving, Peter boldly proclaims his willingness to lay down his life for Jesus (John 13:37). This declaration, while sincere, reveals Peter's self-confidence and lack of understanding of the challenges ahead.
Jesus, knowing Peter's heart, predicts that Peter will deny Him three times before the rooster crows (John 13:38). Jesus wanted Peter to put his pride to death. He was talking a good game, but he wouldn’t be able to back it up with action (see 18:15-18, 25-27).
This prophecy serves as a humbling reminder that our strength often falls short of our intentions. Pride will cause us to think too highly of ourselves and then fall flat on our faces. It highlights the importance of humility and dependence on God's grace, especially in times of testing.
John 13 sets the stage for the profound teachings and events that follow in the upper room. It emphasizes the importance of humility, servanthood, and love within the Christian community. It also serves as a stark reminder of the reality of betrayal and the limitations of human strength. By understanding these themes, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifice of Christ and the calling He places on our lives.
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.
And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him;
Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
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.
Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
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.
For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
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?
Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
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.
If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
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.
Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
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.
Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.
Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.
He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
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.
And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.
Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.
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.
He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.
Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.
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.
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
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.
Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.
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.
John 13 marks a pivotal shift in the Gospel of John. The first twelve chapters showcase Jesus' public ministry, filled with miracles and teachings aimed at the wider world. From this chapter onward, the focus narrows to the intimate moments Jesus shares with His disciples in the hours leading up to His crucifixion. These final instructions, filled with profound truths central to the Christian faith, begin with a powerful lesson in humility and a stark prophecy of betrayal. For those seeking to understand the heart of Christ and His expectations for His followers, John 13 offers invaluable insights.
The Context: From Public Ministry to Private Revelation
As Jesus prepares to transition from public ministry to the ultimate act of sacrifice, John emphasizes Jesus' complete awareness of the events unfolding around Him. Even as Judas secretly plots betrayal, nothing is hidden from the Lord. This chapter, and those that follow through chapter 17, unveils the private teachings of Jesus, offering a glimpse into His heart and His desires for His disciples. This section begins after Christ's impassioned plea to the world, recorded at the end of John 12 (John 12:44–50).
A Servant's Heart: Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet (John 13:1-20)
The act of Jesus washing the disciples' feet is a powerful demonstration of humility and servanthood. In the ancient world, foot washing was a task reserved for servants, a necessary chore given the dusty, often filthy, roads. For Jesus, the Master and Lord, to perform this task for His disciples was shocking, especially to Peter.
John 13:1-2 tells us that Jesus loved his own—his disciples—to the end. He had invested three years in teaching, leading, praying for, and loving them. Yet, despite this deep connection, Judas Iscariot was about to betray Him, opening his heart to the influence of the devil (John 13:2).
Jesus, fully aware of His divine identity—that He had come from God and was returning to God (John 13:3) and being the Creator of the universe (see John 1:1-3)—humbled Himself. This echoes Paul's words in Philippians 2:6-7, where he describes Jesus emptying Himself, taking on the form of a servant. This was not a denial of His Lordship, but a powerful display of the humility and sacrificial love that should characterize all who follow Him. Excuses like "I'm too good for that" or "that's for lesser people" have no place in the life of a Christian.
Peter's initial refusal highlights the cultural discomfort with this role reversal. Jesus makes it clear that though they didn't understand what he was doing, later they would (John 13:7). However, Peter would have none of it: You will never wash my feet. But unless Jesus washed him, he could have no fellowship with him (John 13:8). Peter's emphatic response, "Give me a shower!" (John 13:9), reveals his desire to be connected to Jesus, no matter the cost.
Jesus then explains the deeper meaning of His actions. He distinguishes between a one-time "bathing" and daily "washing" (John 13:10). The Lord made it clear that though they didn’t understand what he was doing, later they would (13:7). However, Peter would have none of it: You will never wash my feet. But unless Jesus washed him, he could have no fellowship with him (13:8). “In that case,” Peter essentially said, “forget the foot wash. Give me a shower!” (13:9). With this statement, Peter revealed his heart. He was willing to do anything to show Jesus that he didn’t want to be disconnected from him. This illustrates the difference between initial salvation and the ongoing need for confession and repentance to maintain fellowship with Christ (1 John 1:9). If one has bathed, he only needs to wash his feet (13:10). In other words, if you’re already saved, you don’t need to be saved again. You just need to address the dirty areas in your life so that you can stay clean. To maintain fellowship with the Lord, we must regularly come to him in confession and repentance.
After washing their feet, Jesus exhorts His disciples to follow His example (John 13:12-17). As their Lord and Teacher, He has shown them how to serve one another, especially in the messiness of life where people are hurting and suffering. A servant is not greater than his master (13:14-16).
This command transcends the literal act of foot washing. It calls us to a lifestyle of service within the family of God, helping others when things get "dirty." It’s a call to proactively seek out opportunities to serve, especially when it involves uncomfortable or undesirable tasks.
Jesus reminds them that He knows who is truly His and hints at the presence of a betrayer among them (John 13:18-20). Importantly, those he had chosen (13:18) is a reference to those chosen for service, not for salvation. The Scripture Jesus quotes is from Psalm 41:9. Just as David was betrayed, so also the Messiah—the Son of David—would be betrayed. Jesus wanted them to know that he knew the future and was in control. When everything happened just as he foretold, it would be further evidence of his divine identity (13:19). Whoever receives anyone I send receives me, and the one who receives me receives him who sent me. The one who receives the Son of God receives God the Father because the Son is the way to the Father (see 14:6). But Jesus added, “Whoever receives anyone I send receives me.” When we go into the world in the name of Jesus and proclaim his gospel and his teachings, we go as his and the Father’s authorized representatives.
The Shadow of Betrayal: Identifying the Traitor (John 13:21-30)
Troubled in spirit, Jesus announces that one of them will betray Him (John 13:21). This revelation, previously known to the readers of John's Gospel (John 6:66-71; 12:4), sends shockwaves through the disciples.
Peter, anxious to know the truth, prompts John, "the disciple whom Jesus loved," to ask Jesus the identity of the betrayer (John 13:23-25). Jesus identifies Judas as the one to whom He will give a piece of bread (John 13:26).
Offering food was a sign of friendship; therefore, Jesus was extending a final offer of grace and mercy to the one who was about to betray him. Judas took the bread, but he rejected the offer of friendship: Satan entered him (13:27). Yet Satan only entered him because Judas had invited him by rejecting Jesus and intending to betray him (see commentary on 13:1-2).
Jesus then tells Judas to complete his task (John 13:27), using language that could be interpreted as either a command or a resigned acceptance. The other disciples, still unaware of Judas's true intentions, assume he is being sent to make preparations for the Passover feast (John 13:28-29). John highlights the symbolism of Judas leaving Jesus' presence and disappearing into the darkness (John 13:30), a stark contrast to the light and truth that Jesus represents.
A New Commandment: Love One Another (John 13:31-35)
With Judas gone, Jesus begins His final instructions, focusing on the importance of love among believers. Now the Son of Man is glorified (13:31) refers to why Jesus had come into the world. He would offer himself as a substitutionary atonement and then be raised from the dead. The Son would glorify the Father, and the Father would glorify the Son (13:32); they would mutually advertise one another’s glory. Highlighting the greatness of God, in fact, is what Christians are called to as well. Everything we do—in thought, word, and deed—is to be done for the glory of God (see 1 Cor 10:31).
He gives them a new command: Love one another (13:34). It was new because it related to what was about to happen within the family of God. This "new commandment" isn't entirely novel, as the concept of loving one's neighbor is present throughout the Old Testament (Leviticus 19:18). However, Jesus redefines and elevates this love, emphasizing its importance within the Christian community.
Biblical love is the decision to compassionately, responsibly, and righteously pursue the well-being of another person. It’s not the same as liking someone. To like someone or something is to express a feeling. By contrast, loving someone may or may not have feelings connected to it. Love is a decision to seek another’s best, regardless of your feelings.
Jesus declares that this love will be the defining characteristic of His disciples (John 13:35). Knowing the Bible is essential, but knowledge means nothing without love (see 1 Cor 13:1-3). A loveless Christian actually undermines the gospel. Why? Because, as John says elsewhere, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). How can people come to know the God who perfectly expresses love—both within the Trinity and to humanity—if his representatives don’t demonstrate love?
Peter's Bold Claim and Jesus's Prophecy (John 13:36-38)
In response to Jesus's talk of leaving, Peter boldly proclaims his willingness to lay down his life for Jesus (John 13:37). This declaration, while sincere, reveals Peter's self-confidence and lack of understanding of the challenges ahead.
Jesus, knowing Peter's heart, predicts that Peter will deny Him three times before the rooster crows (John 13:38). Jesus wanted Peter to put his pride to death. He was talking a good game, but he wouldn’t be able to back it up with action (see 18:15-18, 25-27).
This prophecy serves as a humbling reminder that our strength often falls short of our intentions. Pride will cause us to think too highly of ourselves and then fall flat on our faces. It highlights the importance of humility and dependence on God's grace, especially in times of testing.
John 13 sets the stage for the profound teachings and events that follow in the upper room. It emphasizes the importance of humility, servanthood, and love within the Christian community. It also serves as a stark reminder of the reality of betrayal and the limitations of human strength. By understanding these themes, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifice of Christ and the calling He places on our lives.