Bible Commentaries
John 13

Verse 1

John 13:1

Jesus had consistently marked His ministry, since His first miracle (John 2:1-4), with the time stamp of “not yet.” He knew at that marriage in Cana that His “hour is not yet come.” Jesus knew when the time had “not yet” come, and He knew towards the end of His Earthly ministry “that his hour was come.”

John doesn’t speak of an ending of existence. Jesus would live on (Matthew 26:61, Mark 14:58, John 2:19). Jesus knew that He was going to leave the Earth as a man and return to Heaven as the victorious Son of God (Romans 8:34, Ephesians 1:20-22, Colossians 3:1, Hebrews 1:2-4, Hebrews 8:1, Hebrews 10:12, Hebrews 12:2, 1 Peter 1:21, 1 Peter 3:22). His task would be over. Mission accomplished (John 19:30).

Jesus did the whole thing, because He (John 13:34, John 15:9, John 15:10, John 15:13, Romans 8:37, Ephesians 5:25, Titus 3:4, Revelation 1:5) and the Father love us (John 3:16, Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:9, 1 John 4:10).

Notice too that the Passover Meal (see notes on John 2:13) had ended, but it was still “before the feast of the passover” (John 13:2). That is because, during the Passover festival period, there were two significant eating times; the Passover Meal and the Feast Day of the Passover (Leviticus 23:5-6). John points this out at Jesus’ trial too (John 18:28). The Passover Meal had already been eaten, but the Jews were still waiting to “eat the passover.”

Although John didn’t mention it, there is an amazing story in the other gospels about how the room for the Last Supper was secured (Matthew 26:17-19, Mark 14:12-16, Luke 22:8-13). Everything Jesus ever needed was provided for Him, and He continually relied on prophetic insight from the Father into how to proceed forward (John 8:28).

Verse 2

John 13:2

“Supper” refers to what we call “The Last Supper.” It was that intimate time the Lord spent with His disciples the night of His arrest breaking bread and drinking wine together (Matthew 26:26-30, Mark 14:22-26, Luke 22:15-20). We listened and we obey the words of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and we still partake of the “Lord’s Supper” thousands of years later (1 Corinthians 11:23-26), as did the first body of believers (Acts 2:42).

The holy time that evening between Christ and His disciples was invaded by Satan. The Devil put betrayal into the heart of Judas (Luke 22:3), and Judas didn’t take the thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). It grew from a foothold (Ephesians 4:27) to a stronghold (2 Corinthians 10:3-4) without Judas exercising self control (1 Thessalonians 4:4). Once a stronghold had been established in the soul of the traitor, he felt compelled to betray his master (see notes on John 13:27).

The devil has not changed the basic attack model he has used since evil was found in him (Ezekiel 28:15). Even now we too have this same enemy (Psalms 55:3, Psalms 143:3, Matthew 13:39, Luke 8:12, Luke 10:19, Ephesians 6:11, 1 Timothy 3:7, 2 Timothy 2:26, Revelation 2:10, Revelation 12:9), and he looks to take a foothold into our lives (1 Peter 5:8).

Also note that Judas’ father was Simon Iscariot (John 6:71, John 13:2, John 13:26). We don’t know anything more about him. Some wonder if Judas’ father was the same man as Simon the Leper (Matthew 26:6, Mark 14:3) or Simon the Tanner (Acts 9:43, Acts 10:6, Acts 10:32).

Verse 3

John 13:3

Jesus knew who He was (Matthew 11:27, Matthew 28:18, Luke 10:22, John 3:35, John 17:2). He was not torn about His origins or His future. He didn’t doubt that He was part of the Godhead (John 10:30, John 17:11, John 17:22). The devil had tried to muddy those waters (Matthew 4:1-11), but Jesus had always stood firm in His knowledge of the truth.

Verse 4

John 13:4

Jesus’ time in mortal flesh was a lying aside of His kingly robes and vestures of divinity (see notes on John 13:3) and a taking of servant’s covering in order to serve (Luke 12:37). It was a humbling of Himself (Luke 14:11, Luke 18:14) that those lower than Him might be glorified with Him (Romans 8:16-17, Ephesians 2:6, Colossians 2:13, Colossians 3:4, 2 Timothy 2:12). We will be glorified, but only He will ultimately be exalted (Isaiah 2:11-17).

Verse 5

John 13:5

Only a few days before (John 12:1), Jesus was the one having His feet washed (John 12:3). Four days later (Matthew 26:2, Mark 14:1), another woman would anoint His head (Matthew 26:7, Mark 14:3), and the disciples He was serving on this occasion murmured about the service to Him then (Matthew 26:8-9, Mark 14:4-5).

It is a beautiful scene. It is a beautiful picture of His sacrifice. Jesus poured out His blood to cleanse us from the sin we have soiled ourselves with (1 Corinthians 6:11, Hebrews 10:22, Revelation 1:5, Revelation 7:14), and He wiped away our iniquities through the bruises to the servants’ flesh in which He was covered (Isaiah 53:5). We were completely healed.

Verse 6

John 13:6

Often times we are swept up in feelings of unworthiness, in the light of Jesus’ goodness towards us.

Peter knew he wasn’t worthy of such humility by his Lord (Luke 5:8), and he was troubled by such a reversal of how things ought to be. Perhaps, he might have thought; in some way he didn’t fully understand ... the others might be worthy. It was as though Peter was willing to accept Jesus’ act of service upon the others as an incredible spectacle to witness. However, when Jesus put the bowl at Peter’s feet, he recoiled at the realization that the Master intended to wash his feet also.

Verse 7

John 13:7

Jesus essentially affirmed to Peter that He knew Peter didn’t understand (see notes on John 13:6). Jesus told him also that Peter’s confusion would be cleared up later on (John 12:16, John 14:26, 1 Corinthians 13:2, James 1:5).

We don’t have to know everything, and all of the answers to every one of life’s questions need not be revealed to us. Realizing that we are finite and incomplete, let us trust the only one who is perfect and unimpaired. We can operate on faith believing all things work together for our good (Romans 8:28), and we can do so on a need-to-know basis. Let us just accept that our God, who does all things well (Mark 7:37), might indeed have it all well in hand.

Verse 8

John 13:8

Peter’s objection had roots of guilt and shame (see notes on John 13:6), but also a sense of his place compared to Jesus’ place (Matthew 16:16, Mark 8:29, John 6:69, Acts 10:25-26).

Jesus did everything as He was told to do it by the Father. This act of service was also then a commandment from the Father. To not be a part of what the Father commanded would separate Peter from Jesus and the Father, because Jesus only does what the Father tells Him (see notes on John 12:44).

Verse 9

John 13:9

The thought of being outside of Jesus’ presence had become unimaginable to Peter (Matthew 16:21-22, Mark 8:31-32). Peter’s thinking was that if this act of washing his feet by Jesus made him a part of Jesus, then surely the more of Peter Jesus washed ... the bigger the part he would have. Peter’s logic and child-like acceptance of the Lord’s words, regardless of his previous objections and feelings having seen Jesus humble Himself before the other Apostles, is not only understandable but an inspiration as well.

Indeed! Give me more of you Lord. Fill me with your presence from head to feet.

Verse 10

John 13:10

Apparently in those days, their manner of bathing didn’t affect their feet. Jesus used their practice of bathing as an illustration. Most of the Apostles were “clean,” or in right-standing with God through belief in Jesus (see notes on John 7:18), but one part of them was not clean. The unclean part was Judas, whom Jesus knew was going to betray Him (John 6:64, John 6:70).

The part of their bodies that was physically unclean was their feet (Isaiah 59:7, Romans 3:15), and Judas would use his to run off and betray Jesus (John 13:30).

Verse 11

John 13:11

See notes on John 13:10.

Verse 12

John 13:12

From John 13:7, it is evident that Jesus fully recognized that they didn’t understand. His question was a rhetorical one to set up the points He was about to make in John 13:13-20.

Verse 13

John 13:13

It was and is and shall always be fitting and proper and right to address Jesus as both Master and Lord. Although both words seem to be similar in meaning in twenty first century English, they were quite different in first century Greek. “Master” is from the Greek word didaskalos ^G1320, pronounced did-as’-kal-os, and it means, “an instructor (generally or specifically): - doctor, master, teacher.” “Lord” is from the Greek word kurios ^G2962, pronounced koo’-ree-os, and it means, “(supremacy), supreme in authority, that is, (as noun) controller, by implication Mr. (as a respectful title): - God, Lord, master, Sir.”

Jesus was saying that He is the supreme teacher. He is the authoritative doctor of all knowledge (John 16:30, John 21:17). There was no one more qualified to instruct them than Jesus. They were receiving their credentials from the highest professor.

Verse 14

John 13:14

It is true that, If Jesus isn’t “too good” to wash His disciples feet, then His disciples shouldn’t think themselves “too good” to wash each other’s feet. However, Jesus took it to another level.

In the KJV, Jesus said they “ought” to wash each others’ feet. The word “ought” was translated from the Greek word opheilo opheileo ^G3784, pronounced of-i’-lo of-i’-lo, and it means, “(through the idea of accruing), to owe (pecuniarily), figuratively to be under obligation.” In other words, Jesus was saying that it was now their obligation to observe the practice of foot washing. They may not feel like doing it, but they owed it to the Lord. In doing and saying so, Jesus initiated a new ordinance.

As in the cases of The Lord’s Supper or Communion (Luke 22:19, 1 Corinthians 11:24-25) and water baptism (Matthew 3:14-15, Matthew 28:19), the Lord told His disciples to practice foot washing (John 13:14). Moreover, Jesus’ command (John 14:15, John 14:21, John 15:10) to repeat the practices He established as ordinances were followed by the first century church. Early Christians practiced baptism (Acts 2:41, Acts 8:36-39, Acts 10:47-48, Acts 16:33, Romans 6:3-5, Colossians 2:11-12, 1 Peter 3:21), communion (1 Corinthians 10:16) and foot washing (1 Timothy 5:10).

Since we Christians today are His disciples, and the first century Christians practiced ordinances Jesus commanded His disciples to do, we also “ought” to do likewise (see notes on John 13:16). How can we not do what our Lord commanded us to do?

Additionally, notice what Jesus didn’t say. He didn’t say, “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye also ought to serve one another.” If He were merely giving an example of Christian service, why didn’t He say, “… ye also ought to serve” one another?

Verse 15

John 13:15

By washing the feet of His disciples, Jesus showed them by example what He was commanding them to do (see notes on John 13:14). Every ordinance Jesus gave us to observe by commandment, Jesus did it also by example. Jesus was baptized (Matthew 3:16, Luke 3:21). Jesus participated in the first communion (Luke 22:19, 1 Corinthians 11:24-25). Jesus washed His disciple’s feet (John 13:5).

Verse 16

John 13:16

Jesus serves the Father (John 5:30). Service to Jesus is therefore service to the Father (John 14:21, John 15:10). Service to others is service to Jesus (Matthew 18:5, Matthew 25:34-40, Matthew 25:40), and also honors the Father to the glory of the Father (Matthew 5:16).

We “ought” (see notes on John 13:14) to follow Jesus’ example, and do as He has commanded us to do, in foot washing as in all things (John 14:23). He is greater than we (Matthew 10:24, Luke 6:40). Having submitted to His Lordship, it is enough for us to pattern our lives according to His teachings (Matthew 10:25).

See also Proverbs 14:31, Proverbs 19:17.

Verse 17

John 13:17

True happiness (Deuteronomy 33:29, Psalms 144:15, Psalms 146:5, Proverbs 16:20, James 5:11) and blessing (Psalms 106:3, Psalms 112:1, Psalms 119:1, Luke 12:37-38) comes from obedience to God (1 Corinthians 7:19, Revelation 22:14).

Verse 18

John 13:18

This verse tells us that more are called than what are actually elected. Jesus called many people to follow Him, but some walked away (Matthew 8:19-22, Matthew 19:20-25, Luke 9:57-65, Luke 18:22-23). Although the Lord chose (John 6:70-71) all of The Twelve (see notes on John 20:24), Judas was not one of the elect (Colossians 3:12, 2 Timothy 2:10, Titus 1:1, 1 Peter 1:2). Jesus had always known what was in their hearts (John 2:25, see notes on John 6:43, John 6:64-66).

Having stated that He understood what was happening in the heart of Judas, Jesus referenced the fatidic words in Psalms 41:9. He was aware of both the prophetic scriptures concerning Him and the hearts of all people (John 16:30, John 21:17). He knew Judas was about to betray Him (John 13:11, John 17:12).

Verse 19

John 13:19

Jesus repeatedly left clues pointing to His calling and divinity through His use of miracles, foreknowledge, and clairvoyance into the hearts of others (see notes on John 6:43). The later fulfillment of His prophesies would stand as proof that our belief is well founded.

See notes on John 13:18.

Verse 20

John 13:20

If Jesus calls someone into service and sends that person to do a task, the task is done in proxy for the Lord. Since the person represents the Lord during his service, our acceptance of the servant is acceptance of the Master. Rejection of the Lord’s servant and proxy is therefore rejection of the Lord. That is why David would not harm Saul (1 Samuel 24:4-10, 1 Samuel 26:9, 1 Samuel 26:16, 1 Samuel 26:23, 2 Samuel 1:14-16).

Verse 21

John 13:21

The word “troubled” is the same word John used in the eleventh chapter of his gospel where we saw Christ agitated over phony love (see notes on John 11:33). Judas too was wicked within his heart and posing as one of the pure in heart. Hypocrisy agitates the Lord (Job 8:13, Job 13:16, Job 17:8, Job 27:8, Job 36:13, Isaiah 32:6, Matthew 6:2-5, Matthew 7:4-5, Matthew 15:7-8, Matthew 22:18, Matthew 23:13-39, Matthew 24:51, Mark 7:6, Mark 12:15, Luke 11:44, Luke 12:1, Luke 12:56, Luke 13:15).

From all the verses listed above, it is obvious how the Lord views hypocrisy. After all, Jesus is concerned mostly with matters of the heart (Malachi 4:6, Matthew 12:35, Matthew 15:18-19, Mark 7:21, Acts 28:27, 2 Corinthians 3:3, Ephesians 6:6, Hebrews 4:12, 1 Peter 3:4). The lost have hardened their hearts against God, and even their goodness is hypocritical (1 Timothy 4:2). Therefore, let us be honest in our hearts (James 3:17, 1 Peter 2:1) and sincerely go about our activities in true Christian love (John 13:34-35, John 15:12-17, Romans 12:10, Romans 13:8, Galatians 5:13, Ephesians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 3:12, 1 Thessalonians 4:9, 1 Peter 1:22, 1 John 3:11, 1 John 3:23, 1 John 4:7-12, 1 John 1:5).

Notice how John used the word “testified.” He didn’t say prophesy, although the event had not yet happened. Testified speaks to the omniscience of Christ. He had already been there when Judas betrayed Him, although it hadn’t yet happened in their time. Jesus had seen the events in the future and now was with His disciples in their time as a witness to what was come. He truly is the Alpha and the Omega (Revelation 1:8-11, Revelation 21:6, Revelation 22:13), and He has been at both the beginning (John 1:1-2) and the end (Romans 10:4).

Verse 22

John 13:22

Unfortunately, we often will look to each other for confirmation or validation or reassurance. However, our best source of all these things is Jesus. In this case, each disciple doubted that he was the betrayer, but they wondered which disciple it was going to be.

Verse 23

John 13:23

When situations arise that make other disciples doubt (see notes on John 13:22), lean on Jesus for support (Proverbs 3:5).

John wrote of himself in this verse, because John was that disciple whom would cuddle up to Jesus (John 21:20-24). By laying his head on Jesus’ breast, John reached a level of intimacy with the Master that was never spoken of before or since. Think of it. John could actually lean in and hear the very heartbeat of God. He had made it into the Holiest of Holies (see notes on John 2:14) and developed a close, personal relationship with Christ.

Verse 24

John 13:24

Peter asked John to ask Jesus, because Peter thought that Jesus preferred John over the others (John 21:20-22). “Perhaps,” Peter could have thought, “Jesus might give the answer more readily to ‘the disciple whom Jesus loved.’” Later on, Peter would come to understand that Jesus didn’t favor one over the other at all (Acts 10:34). Eventually, Peter would realize that we all can be as close to God as we want to be (Acts 10:35, 1 Peter 1:17).

God doesn’t play favorites (Deuteronomy 10:17, 2 Chronicles 19:7, Matthew 22:16, Luke 20:21, Romans 2:11, Galatians 2:6, Ephesians 6:9).

Verse 25

John 13:25

John asked Jesus who it was, because Peter had asked him to (see notes on John 13:24).

Verse 26

John 13:26

Jesus answered the question verbally, and then He showed the answer by doing what He had just said. The traitor was Judas Iscariot.

Verse 27

John 13:27

The GNT put John 13:27 this way, “As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “Hurry and do what you must!” It was right to say “must.” Judas felt he must turn Jesus over to the authorities. He had been possessed, and he was compelled to do it by the devil.

Notice that John didn’t say “a demon entered into him.” He said, “Satan entered into him.” The devil didn’t leave this possession to just any of his demonic hoard. Satan’s plan of destroying the Lord God Almighty through a betrayal by one of The Twelve (see notes on John 20:24) would require no chance for error. To decrease the possibility of failure, Satan did it himself.

Also note that the devil entered into Judas after Jesus handed him the sop. It is as though Jesus handed Judas over to Satan as He handed Judas the sop. Moreover, Jesus may not have been even speaking to Judas after the devil possessed him. Jesus might have been talking to the devil inside the traitor. Satan entered into Judas, and “Then” Jesus spoke to him.

Verse 28

John 13:28

The other disciples didn’t understand why Jesus spoke to Judas or what He meant. Jesus might have given Judas a specific assignment known only to Judas. Some of them passed off the instruction “do quickly,” as a something to do with the ministry’s finances, since Judas was the treasurer for the group (see John 13:29).

However, Jesus may not have been even speaking to Judas (see notes on John 13:27).

Verse 29

John 13:29

Some, not all, of the disciples thought the direction given by Jesus had to do with their finances (see notes on John 13:28), although Jesus had given significant clues as to what was really going on (John 13:21, John 13:26).

Some people involved in Christian ministry - even some of them officers and leaders - are not fully converted to the faith (see notes on John 13:35). They may participate in ensuring the effective implementation of the outreach’s good works, but inwardly they really don’t believe. Be careful that those who would be leaders in the church actually share our faith (1 Timothy 3:1-10, 1 Timothy 5:21-22, 2 Timothy 2:2; Titus 1:5-9). The struggle for belief must have already been won before hands are laid on a potential leader.

A sure belief will also be challenged, and Satan will still try to bring a leader with a true heart down (Luke 22:31). There will be pressure to fall and fail at our calling, but we must press back, and keep the prize in mind (Philippians 3:14, 2 Timothy 4:7).

Verse 30

John 13:30

The devil can’t tolerate the presence of God that floods everything with goodness and light. Motivated by a hatred and an abhorrence of the light (John 3:20), and not by a willingness to obey, the possessed disciple left immediately as the Lord had commanded him to do (Proverbs 1:16, Isaiah 59:7).

Verse 31

John 13:31

Jesus was not glorified because He was born into the world as a man, although that too was a sacrifice (John 1:14, Romans 9:5, Galatians 4:4, Philippians 2:6-8, 1 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 2:14-17, Hebrews 10:5). He was glorified, because He suffered and died for our sakes according to the will of the Father (Isaiah 53:10-12, Luke 24:26, John 5:30, John 14:13), to the glory of the Father (John 17:1-6, Acts 3:13, Philippians 2:11, 1 Peter 1:21, 1 Peter 4:11).

Verse 32

John 13:32

Jesus did the will of the Father, and God glorified Him (see notes on John 13:31). Incredibly, if we glorify God by doing His will also, we can share in the glory of Christ (John 17:21-24, Romans 8:17).

Verse 33

John 13:33

Jesus spoke to them as a father speaks to his young ones saying, “Little children …” With love and tenderness He told them the truth. Little children feel safe when the parent is there. If the parent leaves, the child is fearful and sad. Jesus is about to leave them for a little while, and, as little children, they will feel lost and alone and scared. They had come to depend on Him (John 6:66-68).

Jesus had said the same thing to the Jews (see notes on John 1:19) a couple of times (John 7:34-36, John 8:21). Many of the Jews would die in their sins and never live in Heaven (John 8:24), but the eleven left in the room that heard these things have eternal life (John 3:15-16). Therefore, the eleven can’t come with Jesus now, but, unlike the Jews, they will go to be with Him later (John 13:36).

Verse 34

John 13:34

Feeling the love and affection with which Jesus had just spoken to them (see notes on John 13:33), the words “as I have loved you” must have seemed very significant. Still, Jesus was preparing to show them even greater love (John 15:13). Jesus loved them and us so much that He gave everything to all that believe and follow after Him (John 3:36, 1 John 5:11-13). He asks us then to do as He did (Luke 9:23) and be willing to love others with a love that gives of one’s self (John 15:12, John 15:17, Acts 20:35, Romans 12:10, Romans 12:20, Galatians 5:13-14, Galatians 6:10, Ephesians 5:2, Philippians 2:1-5, Colossians 3:12-13, 1 Thessalonians 3:12, 1 Thessalonians 4:9, James 2:8, 1 Peter 1:22, 1 Peter 3:8-9, 2 Peter 1:7, 1 John 2:10, 1 John 3:10-23, 1 John 4:7-11, 1 John 4:21, 1 John 5:1).

Verse 35

John 13:35

There are pretenders that frequent the body of Christ (see notes on John 13:29) and say they walk with the Lord, but their hearts are far from Him (Isaiah 29:13, Matthew 7:21-22, Matthew 15:8, Mark 7:6). True Christians are easily discerned by their love for others (Matthew 7:16, Matthew 7:20, 1 Thessalonians 3:12, 1 John 2:5). Let our love be a light shining as a testimony to the unbeliever (Matthew 5:16, Luke 11:33) that we believe and follow after Jesus (Hebrews 10:24, 1 John 3:10).

Jesus has told us to love one another, therefore we ought to do what He has told us to do (Luke 6:46).

Verse 36

John 13:36

Jesus had told the disciples that He was going somewhere, and they wouldn’t be allowed to go with Him (John 13:33). Peter had been following Jesus for years. He didn’t see why he couldn’t continue going with Him. So, Peter asked Jesus where was this place that would prevent him from following along as usual. Jesus assured Peter that he would (not could) follow Him to that place later.

Verse 37

John 13:37

Still not knowing where it was that Jesus was going (see notes on John 13:36), and only knowing he could come later, one question remained in Peter’s mind, “Why can’t I come now?” Peter suggested to Jesus that he would have value as a body guard, if he were allowed to come along on Jesus’ trip. It was as though he were saying, “Anyone who would seek to harm you would have to get through me first, and I’m willing to put my life on the line to protect you.”

Verse 38

John 13:38

Peter had declared his willingness to protect Jesus even with his own life (see notes on John 13:37). Jesus replied, “Really?” Then Jesus proclaimed one of the most famous prophecies of all time. To save himself from death, Peter will deny that he even knew Jesus ... not only once, but three times ... before the night was over (Matthew 26:69-74, Mark 14:66-68, Luke 22:55-60, John 18:17-27). Peter would deny Him, not years from then, but that very night.

We are so arrogant and boastful and willing to make declarations about matters we don’t understand and we have no control over. How do we even know that we will be able to take our next breath? Given our frailties and handicaps, how can we honestly say we will do anything at all? All our plans and goals are subject to His will (Acts 18:21, Romans 1:10, Romans 15:32, 1 Corinthians 4:19, 2 Timothy 1:1, 2 Timothy 2:25, Hebrews 6:3, Hebrews 10:9, 1 Peter 3:17, 1 Peter 4:19), and we can’t even exist apart from His permission (Job 12:10, Job 33:4, Job 34:13-15, Psalms 104:29, Isaiah 42:5, Daniel 5:23, Acts 17:24-28, Colossians 1:17). That is why we are told to humbly recognize and verbally confirm that we will be able to do our plan only if God is willing that we should do so (James 4:14-15).