John 13

The setting is the final Passover meal of Jesus on Thursday evening. During this meal, Judas Iscariot betrays Jesus. John does not describe the meal itself like the Synoptic Gospels do (Matthew 26:17–29; Mark 14:12–25; Luke 22:7–20; see also 1 Corinthians 11:23–26). John focuses on other activities at the event, such as:

• the foot washing (John 13:1–17),

• Judas’s betrayal (13:18–30), and

• the prediction of Peter’s denials (13:31–38).

This section focuses on the sign of the cross, the great climax of the life of Jesus, as well as the time Jesus spent preparing his disciples for it (chapters 13–17). Each event during these important days glorified Jesus. His arrest, trial, death on the cross, and resurrection all bring forth responses of awe. On the cross, Jesus is "lifted up" in glory before the world (12:32).

Judas … Iscariot: He had refused to trust in Jesus. Darkness consumed him and he became a tool of the devil (compare study note on 12:39–40).

Foot washing was common in Greek and Jewish cultures as a daily routine. It was also a common gesture when hosting guests (see Luke 7:36–50). It was a humble task designated for servants. When Jesus began to wash the disciples’ feet, he assumed the role of a servant.

Knowing how committed Peter was to Jesus, it makes sense that he protested. However, Jesus was not just showing Peter how to serve. This was a symbolic introduction of the greater sacrifice Jesus would make on the cross (13:7). Receiving spiritual cleansing from Jesus is necessary for discipleship. If Peter could not accept this act, he could not be a disciple of Jesus.

my hands and my head as well: Peter misunderstood Jesus (compare 2:19–20; 3:3–4). Peter thought having more water meant having more of Jesus. Everything became obvious to Peter only when he received the Holy Spirit (for example, see Acts 2:14–36).

Jesus was pointing to a deeper cleansing through his sacrifice.

He was not speaking only about washing the body. He was speaking about being made clean in a complete way.

Through his death, he makes a person clean all over. This means forgiveness of sin and a restored relationship with God.

• Jesus performed acts of humble service, such as washing his disciples’ feet and giving his life on the cross. By doing this, he set an example for others to follow. He showed that true greatness is expressed through love, service, and personal sacrifice for others.

• wash one another's feet: Foot washing was a common act in that culture. Because of this, some think that Jesus meant for his followers to repeat this action in a literal way. Others believe he used it as a symbol of humble service.

  In either case, the main point is clear. Jesus wants his followers to serve others with humility and self-giving love. Servanthood and sacrifice should mark their lives.

no servant is greater than his master: This saying was popular and appears in a number of passages (see also 15:20; Matthew 10:24; Luke 6:40). Here, Jesus meant that the servant should follow the master's example of sacrifice.

• I am not speaking about all of you: This is the third time Jesus mentions that Judas will betray him (13:2, 11). This matter deeply "troubled" Jesus (13:21).

• I know whom I have chosen: This does not mean Jesus only chose the 11 disciples and excluded Judas. Jesus chose Judas and gave him every opportunity to believe. He realized that Judas had chosen the darkness instead of the light (6:70).

• The one who shares My bread has lifted up his heel against Me: Eating together was a cultural symbol of personal intimacy, which made Judas’s betrayal all the more serious.

• Judas’s betrayal did not surprise Jesus. It should also not surprise his disciples when it happens.

• that I am He: By using the phrase I am, Jesus clearly identified himself with the God of the Old Testament. See Exodus 3:14.

For the third time in the Gospel of John, Jesus became troubled (Greek tarassō; see 11:33; 12:27). When Judas betrayed Jesus, it caused him deep grief.

• The disciple whom Jesus loved is appears:

  • at the cross (19:26–27),

  • at the tomb (20:2–9), and

  • and at the resurrection (21:1, 20–23).

  He also wrote the Gospel of John (21:24–25). Some scholars believe that Lazarus was in fact the disciple whom Jesus loved (see 11:3, 5, 36). The person referred to here was among the 12 apostles, so most people identify the disciple whom Jesus loved as the apostle John.

• was reclining at His side: They were likely reclining at a triclinium, a U-shaped table with couches around it. Guests reclined on the couches, while the center allowed those serving to access them. Those who were eating supported themselves with their left elbows and used their right hands to eat. They extended their feet away from the table (compare Luke 7:38).

Peter told the disciple sitting next to Jesus ("the one whom Jesus loved") to ask who would betray him (13:23). As the disciple was reclining next to Jesus, he leaned over and spoke to Jesus in private.

Meals included flat bread, which those eating would dip into a shared bowl. Jesus gave a piece to Judas (compare Ruth 2:14). The disciples might have thought Jesus was honoring him.

They did not understand what was happening. They even thought that when Judas left, it was to fulfill an official duty for the feast (John 13:29). However, Jesus was signaling to Judas that he knew Judas's plan and was not surprised. The knowledge Jesus has is deep and complete (see 1:48; 2:25).

• Satan entered into him: Judas became an example of what happens to people consumed by the darkness (see Luke 22:3). Satan uses such people as tools in a wider struggle against the light.

• What you are about to do, do quickly: By giving this command, Jesus again showed he was in control, not human beings or Satan (see study note on John 7:30).

None of the others suspected that something odd was happening. Passover evening was one of the only nights when the city gates were left open. The night was spent in prayer and meditation, money was given to the poor, and provisions were always needed for this complex meal.

out into the night: This detail is more than a note about the time of day. It has symbolic meaning.

Judas’s departure shows his spiritual condition. Darkness had taken hold of him completely (see study note on 13:2; compare 3:19). Jesus, the light of the world, is the opposite of the night.

The time had come. Judas’s departure into the night marked a clear turning point in the story of the Gospel. Jesus was now left with his closest friends, as the hour of his glory was beginning. This period began with Judas’s betrayal and ended with the resurrection.

Jesus addressed the apostles as his children, marking the start of his farewell address.

The command for the disciples to love one another was not new (see Leviticus 19:18). However, loving each other as Jesus loved was a dramatic change. Jesus showed his love for God through perfect obedience (John 14:31). Now, he commanded that disciples show their love for him through committed obedience.

Peter claimed to be ready to die for Jesus. But Peter is well known for denying Jesus (18:15–18, 25–27; see also Matthew 26:32–34; Mark 14:27–30; Luke 22:31–34). Although Peter's courage and loyalty failed, Jesus forgave and restored him (John 21:15–19).