*John 13:1-20
Jesus washes his disciples’ feet, demonstrating humility and setting an example of service for others.
- Context and Introduction:
- The scene is set during the Passover meal, before Jesus’ arrest.
- Jesus is aware that his time has come to leave the world and return to the Father.
- He loves his disciples deeply and demonstrates this love fully through his actions.
- Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet:
- During the meal, Jesus gets up, removes his outer garments, and wraps a towel around his waist.
- He pours water into a basin and begins to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel.
- Peter’s Initial Refusal:
- When Jesus reaches Peter, he initially refuses, questioning why Jesus, his teacher, would perform such a task.
- Jesus tells Peter that he will understand later and insists that Peter allow him to wash his feet.
- Peter then asks for a full cleansing, but Jesus explains that one who is clean needs only their feet washed.
- Significance and Teaching:
- Jesus finishes washing their feet, puts his outer garments back on, and returns to his place.
- He explains to the disciples that as their Lord and Teacher, he has set an example for them to follow.
- Just as he washed their feet, they should serve each other humbly.
- Blessing through Service:
- Jesus emphasizes that knowing these things is not enough; they are blessed if they put them into practice.
- Announcement of Betrayal:
- Jesus hints that not all his disciples are clean, implying Judas’s impending betrayal.
- He quotes Psalm 41:9, indicating that one who shares bread with him will betray him.
- Jesus clarifies that he knows those he has chosen and that this prophecy is being fulfilled.
- He tells the disciples now so that they will believe when it happens.
- He adds that whoever receives anyone he sends receives him, and whoever receives him also receives the Father.
John 13:1-20 teaches us the power of humility and serving others. Jesus, even though He was the Son of God, washed His disciples’ feet to show that true greatness comes from serving, not being served. We can apply this by treating others with kindness, putting their needs before our own, and being willing to do even small, humble tasks to help. Whether at home, work, or in our communities, we show God’s love when we serve with a humble heart. Instead of seeking recognition, we should focus on loving and helping others, just as Jesus did.
John 13:1-20 (WEB)
13:1 Now before the feast of the Passover, Jesus, knowing that his time had come that he would depart from this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he came from God and was going to God, 4 arose from supper, and laid aside his outer garments. He took a towel and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 Then he came to Simon Peter. He said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?”7 Jesus answered him, “You don’t know what I am doing now, but you will understand later.”8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet!”Jesus answered him, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me.”9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!”10 Jesus said to him, “Someone who has bathed only needs to have his feet washed, but is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For he knew him who would betray him; therefore he said, “You are not all clean.” 12 So when he had washed their feet, put his outer garment back on, and sat down again, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me, ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord.’ You say so correctly, for so I am. 14 If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should also do as I have done to you. 16 Most certainly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his lord, neither is one who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 18 I don’t speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with me has lifted up his heel against me.’ 19 From now on, I tell you before it happens, that when it happens, you may believe that I am he. 20 Most certainly I tell you, he who receives whomever I send, receives me; and he who receives me, receives him who sent me.”