John Chapter 13
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John 13: A New CommandmentThe Supper and the Betrayer“Now before the Feast of the Passover, when 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 13:1, ESV). During supper, the devil has already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him. Jesus, knowing that the Father has given all things into His hands and that He has come from God and is going back to God, rises from supper (John 13:2-4).The Foot WashingHe lays aside His outer garments, takes a towel, and ties it around His waist. He pours water into a basin and begins to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel (John 13:5). When He comes to Simon Peter, Peter objects, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus answers, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand” (John 13:6-7). Peter says, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus replies, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me” (John 13:8). Peter then asks for hands and head as well. Jesus says, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you” (John 13:10). He knows who will betray Him.After washing their feet, putting on His garments, and returning to table, He asks, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you” (John 13:12-15). A servant is not greater than his master. If they know these things, blessed are they if they do them (John 13:16-17).The Traitor Identified“I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me’” (John 13:18, citing Psalm 41:9). He tells them beforehand so that when it happens they may believe He is the I AM. Whoever receives the one He sends receives Him, and whoever receives Him receives the Father who sent Him (John 13:20).Jesus becomes troubled in His spirit and testifies, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me” (John 13:21). The disciples look at one another, uncertain. The disciple whom Jesus loved reclines at table at Jesus’ side. Simon Peter motions to him to ask who it is. Leaning back against Jesus, he asks, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answers, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it” (John 13:26). He dips the morsel and gives it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot. After the morsel, Satan enters into him. Jesus says, “What you are going to do, do quickly” (John 13:27). No one at table knows why He says this. Some think, because Judas has the moneybag, Jesus tells him to buy what is needed for the feast or give something to the poor. Judas immediately goes out. And it is night (John 13:30).A New CommandmentWhen he has gone, Jesus says, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once” (John 13:31-32). “Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:33-35).Peter’s Denial ForetoldSimon Peter asks, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answers, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” Peter says, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus replies, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times” (John 13:36-38).