John 13
BSB1 It was now just before the Passover Feast, and Jesus knew that His hour had come to leave this world and return to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the very end. 2 The evening meal was underway, and the devil had already put into the heart of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had delivered all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was returning to God. 4 So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist. 5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who asked Him, “Lord, are You going to wash my feet?" 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." 8 “Never shall You wash my feet!” Peter told Him. Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me." 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not only my feet, but my hands and my head as well!" 10 Jesus told him, “Whoever has already bathed needs only to wash his feet, and he will be completely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you." 11 For He knew who would betray Him. That is why He said, “Not all of you are clean." 12 When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His outer garments, He reclined with them again and asked, “Do you know what I have done for you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, because I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Truly, truly, I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. 18 I am not speaking about all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the Scripture: ‘The one who shares My bread has lifted up his heel against Me.’ 19 I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it comes to pass, you will believe that I am He. 20 Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever receives the one I send receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives the One who sent Me." 21 After Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit and testified, “Truly, truly, I tell you, one of you will betray Me." 22 The disciples looked at one another, perplexed as to which of them He meant. 23 One of His disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at His side. 24 So Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus which one He was talking about. 25 Leaning back against Jesus, he asked, “Lord, who is it?" 26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this morsel after I have dipped it.” Then He dipped the morsel and gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. 27 And when Judas had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus said to Judas, “What you are about to do, do quickly." 28 But no one at the table knew why Jesus had said this to him. 29 Since Judas kept the money bag, some thought that Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the feast, or to give something to the poor. 30 As soon as he had received the morsel, Judas went out into the night. 31 When Judas had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. 32 If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify the Son in Himself—and will glorify Him at once. 33 Little children, I am with you only a little while longer. You will look for Me, and as I said to the Jews, so now I say to you: ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ 34 A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." 36 “Lord, where are You going?” Simon Peter asked. Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow Me now, but you will follow later." 37 “Lord,” said Peter, “why can’t I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You." 38 “Will you lay down your life for Me?” Jesus replied. “Truly, truly, I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.
Study Notes — John 13
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from John 13
- Themes from John 13
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on John 13
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In John 13, Jesus gathers with His disciples for the Last Supper, where He washes their feet as an act of humble service, teaching them the importance of humility and love (John 13:1-20). Jesus then predicts His betrayal by Judas, one of His twelve apostles, and identifies Him as the one who would hand Him over to the authorities (John 13:21-30). The chapter also includes Jesus' new commandment to love one another as He has loved them, emphasizing the importance of unity and selfless love among believers (John 13:31-35). Throughout the chapter, Jesus' words and actions demonstrate His deep love and concern for His disciples, even in the face of impending betrayal and death.
Context for the Chapter
John 13 is set in the context of the Last Supper, where Jesus gathers with His disciples to celebrate the Passover. This event is significant in the biblical narrative, as it marks the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant. The chapter is also part of the larger narrative of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, which is the central theme of the Gospel of John. The events of John 13 are closely tied to the events of the previous chapters, where Jesus has been teaching and ministering to the disciples, and are a precursor to the events of the subsequent chapters, where Jesus will be arrested, tried, and crucified.
Heart Application
The events of John 13 have significant implications for believers today. Jesus' example of humble love and selfless service is a model for believers to follow, demonstrating the importance of serving one another in love. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, as Jesus commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them. As believers, we are called to demonstrate this same love and unity, even in the face of adversity and challenge.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
John 13 is a chapter about Jesus' love for His disciples and His willingness to serve them. He washes their feet and teaches them to love one another. Jesus also predicts His betrayal by Judas and prepares His disciples for His death. The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility, love, and unity among believers, demonstrating Jesus' selfless love and concern for His disciples. As believers, we are called to follow Jesus' example, serving one another in love and demonstrating unity in the face of adversity.
Voices from the Church
“The love of Christ is not a sentimental love, but a practical love, demonstrated through His actions and words. As believers, we are called to demonstrate this same love to one another, serving one another in humility and selflessness.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The betrayal of Jesus by Judas is a reminder of the gravity of sin and the consequences of disloyalty. As believers, we are called to remain faithful to Christ, even in the face of adversity and challenge.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the Last Supper (John 13:1-5) — Jesus gathers with His disciples for the Last Supper, where He will demonstrate His love and serve them through washing their feet.
- Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet (John 13:6-20) — Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet is a powerful example of humility, teaching them the importance of serving one another in love.
- Jesus Predicts His Betrayal (John 13:21-30) — The betrayal of Jesus by Judas is a pivotal event in the chapter, highlighting the gravity of sin and the consequences of disloyalty.
- Jesus' New Commandment (John 13:31-35) — Jesus commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them, emphasizing the importance of unity and selfless love among believers.
- Conclusion and Transition (John 13:36-38) — The chapter concludes with Jesus' words to Peter, preparing Him for the events that will soon unfold and emphasizing the importance of faith and loyalty in the face of adversity.
Core Doctrines
- The Doctrine of Humility
- John 13 teaches the importance of humility, as demonstrated through Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet. This doctrine emphasizes the need for believers to serve one another in love and humility.
- The Doctrine of Love
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of love among believers, as Jesus commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them. This doctrine highlights the need for selfless love and unity among believers.
- The Doctrine of Betrayal and Forgiveness
- The betrayal of Jesus by Judas serves as a reminder of the gravity of sin and the consequences of disloyalty. However, the chapter also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, as Jesus demonstrates His love and concern for His disciples even in the face of betrayal.
- The Doctrine of Unity
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, as Jesus commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them. This doctrine highlights the need for believers to demonstrate unity and selfless love in the face of adversity and challenge.
Lessons from John 13
- The Importance of Humility — Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet teaches us the importance of humility and serving one another in love.
- The Gravity of Sin and Disloyalty — The betrayal of Jesus by Judas serves as a reminder of the gravity of sin and the consequences of disloyalty.
- The Importance of Unity and Selfless Love — Jesus' new commandment to love one another as He has loved them emphasizes the importance of unity and selfless love among believers.
- The Need for Faith and Loyalty — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and loyalty in the face of adversity and challenge, as demonstrated through Jesus' words to Peter.
- The Model of Jesus' Love and Service — Jesus' example of humble love and selfless service is a model for believers to follow, demonstrating the importance of serving one another in love and humility.
Themes from John 13
- The Theme of Love — The chapter emphasizes the importance of love among believers, as Jesus commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them.
- The Theme of Humility — Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet teaches us the importance of humility and serving one another in love.
- The Theme of Unity — The chapter emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, as Jesus commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them.
- The Theme of Betrayal and Forgiveness — The betrayal of Jesus by Judas serves as a reminder of the gravity of sin and the consequences of disloyalty, while also emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and love.
- The Theme of Faith and Loyalty — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and loyalty in the face of adversity and challenge, as demonstrated through Jesus' words to Peter.
Questions for Meditation
- What does Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet teach us about humility and service?
- How does the betrayal of Jesus by Judas serve as a reminder of the gravity of sin and the consequences of disloyalty?
- What does Jesus' new commandment to love one another as He has loved them mean for believers today?
- How can believers demonstrate unity and selfless love in the face of adversity and challenge?
- What does the chapter teach us about the importance of faith and loyalty in the face of adversity?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Last Supper (John 13:1-5)
| John 13:1 | Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. |
| John 13:2 | During supper, the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray Him. |
2. Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet (John 13:6-20)
| John 13:6 | He came to Simon Peter, who said to Him, 'Lord, do You wash my feet?' |
| John 13:7 | Jesus answered him, 'What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.' |
3. Jesus Predicts His Betrayal (John 13:21-30)
| John 13:21 | After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in His spirit, and testified, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.' |
| John 13:22 | The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom He spoke. |
4. Jesus' New Commandment (John 13:31-35)
| John 13:31 | When He had gone out, Jesus said, 'Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him.' |
| John 13:32 | If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glorify Him at once. |
5. Conclusion and Transition (John 13:36-38)
| John 13:36 | Simon Peter said to Him, 'Lord, where are You going?' Jesus answered him, 'Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you will follow afterward.' |
| John 13:37 | Peter said to Him, 'Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for You.' |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Jesus washing the disciples' feet?
Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet is a powerful example of humility, teaching them the importance of serving one another in love (John 13:1-20).
Who betrayed Jesus and why?
Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' twelve apostles, betrayed Him, motivated by greed and a lack of faith (John 13:21-30).
What is the new commandment that Jesus gives to His disciples?
Jesus commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them, emphasizing the importance of unity and selfless love among believers (John 13:31-35).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 13:1 → John 1:1 | The phrase 'having loved His own who were in the world' in John 13:1 is reminiscent of the introductory verse of the Gospel of John, which describes Jesus as the Word who was in the beginning with God (John 1:1). |
| 2 | John 13:2 → Luke 22:3 | The statement that 'the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray Him' in John 13:2 is also recorded in Luke 22:3, where it is written that 'Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve.' |
| 3 | John 13:7 → John 12:16 | The phrase 'What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand' in John 13:7 is similar to the statement in John 12:16, where it is written that 'His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about Him and had been done to Him.' |
| 4 | John 13:10 → John 15:3 | The statement that 'he who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet' in John 13:10 is reminiscent of the statement in John 15:3, where Jesus says 'You are already clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.' |
| 5 | John 13:14 → Matthew 20:26-28 | The statement that 'if I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet' in John 13:14 is similar to the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 20:26-28, where He says 'Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave.' |
| 6 | John 13:18 → Psalm 41:9 | The statement that 'I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen' in John 13:18 is a reference to the prophecy in Psalm 41:9, where it is written 'Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.' |
| 7 | John 13:21 → John 6:70-71 | The statement that 'one of you will betray Me' in John 13:21 is reminiscent of the statement in John 6:70-71, where Jesus says 'Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.' |
| 8 | John 13:27 → Luke 22:31-34 | The statement that 'Satan entered into him' in John 13:27 is similar to the statement in Luke 22:31-34, where Jesus says 'Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.' |
| 9 | John 13:31 → Isaiah 49:3 | The statement that 'Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him' in John 13:31 is reminiscent of the prophecy in Isaiah 49:3, where it is written 'He said to me, 'You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.' |
| 10 | John 13:34 → Leviticus 19:18 | The statement that 'A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another' in John 13:34 is similar to the commandment in Leviticus 19:18, where it is written 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' |
Sermons on John 13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Grain of Wheat by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering one's life to Jesus Christ. He tells a story about an artist who becomes so engrossed in his work that he is |
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A New Attitude Towards People by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the transformation believers undergo when they accept Christ, becoming new creations and living differently from the world's patterns. It delves into the imp |
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Art Katz Testimony by Ark Katz by Art Katz | This sermon recounts the personal journey of a Jewish atheist who, through a series of profound encounters and revelations, comes to a life-changing realization of God's existence |
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Chasing the Dragon 1 of 2 by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the encounter between Jesus and a rich young man as described in Mark chapter 10. The young man approaches Jesus and asks what he must do to |
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Is This Really Church by Francis Chan | This sermon challenges the traditional concept of church gatherings and emphasizes the importance of aligning with the biblical commands of loving one another, proclaiming the mess |
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Testimony - Part 1 by Corrie Ten Boom | In this video, a woman shares her personal experience of being imprisoned by the Nazis for hiding Jewish people in Holland. She spent 11 months in prison, including time in solitar |
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Poor, Blind, Beggarly Believer by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on a simple illustration used by Jesus in John 12:23-24. Jesus speaks of the hour of his glorification and uses the analogy of a grain of wheat |
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The Way of Cain by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of relying on God's defense rather than trying to defend oneself. He refers to the story of Moses and the rebellion of Korah, |
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Brokenness Study #3 - the Process by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding God's targeting of our areas of brokenness. Brokenness, according to the speaker, is God's way of dealing wit |
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Lord, Give Me Your Heart - 1 by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding our past and future in order to effectively minister to others. He highlights the story of Moses being sent a |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on John 13
In John 13, Jesus demonstrates His humble love and selfless service through washing the disciples' feet, teaching them the importance of humility and serving one another in love. The chapter also highlights the gravity of sin and the consequences of disloyalty, as Judas betrays Jesus and hands Him over to the authorities. Jesus' new commandment to love one another as He has loved them emphasizes the importance of unity and selfless love among believers. As Matthew Henry notes, 'Christ's love to us should be the pattern of our love to one another.' The chapter serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, loyalty, and selfless love, demonstrating Jesus' deep concern for His disciples and His willingness to sacrifice Himself for their sake. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Jesus' Awareness of Events
Jesus is aware of the events that will soon unfold, including His betrayal and death. This demonstrates His divine nature and control over the circumstances surrounding His life.
The Importance of Humility
Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet is a powerful example of humility, teaching them the importance of serving one another in love. This act also highlights Jesus' selfless love and concern for His disciples.
The Gravity of Betrayal
The betrayal of Jesus by Judas is a pivotal event in the chapter, highlighting the gravity of sin and the consequences of disloyalty. This event also serves as a reminder of the fallen nature of humanity and the need for redemption.