John 13

Luke records that the disciples had just argued about who should be regarded as the greatest (Luke 22:24). Jesus responds by showing them that the greatest is the one who serves. They are to mimic him (John 13:15)!

Isn’t’ it amazing that Jesus was even willing to wash Judas’ feet (13:2)? How hard is it for us to treat those who wish us harm with that kind of grace?

When Peter questions Jesus, Jesus give us some clues about our daily walk with Him. When we believe in Him our whole body has been washed and we are clean (13:10)! But we can still sin. We can still dirty our feet, and our feet need to be cleaned. We do that through confession and repentance. John teaches us that this is something we need to do in his first letter:

1 John 1:9 (WEB) “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Judas is sometimes thought of as a misunderstood and sympathetic character. Some think that He was just a frustrated revolutionary trying to force Jesus to take action. John will have none of that. He is a thief. He was trusted with the money, and He took full advantage of that (John 12:6; Matthew 26:14-15).

Jesus lets them know that He is troubled by what is about to come (13:21). Peter is concerned, so he gestures to John to ask Jesus for clarification. Jesus then gives the bread to Judas. Now, keep in mind that they are all reclining, and that Jesus is probably handing out bread to everyone. This was also spoken quietly to John, and then Judas went out immediately in response to Jesus’ words (13:27). Even though John was the one disciple who should have understood what was happening at this point, he didn’t. Judas was still trusted (13:28-29)!

Jesus shares with them that His time has come (13:31-35) He is going to be glorified, and God will be glorified in Him. This will all happen because of the crucifixion and resurrection. They aren’t expecting it, and they can’t be a part of it. What they can do, however, is love one another, just as He has loved them (13:34-35).

Peter is confused. He loves Jesus and claims to be willing to follow Him, even to death. Jesus predicts that that, instead of sacrificing himself for Jesus, Peter will in fact deny Him three times.

Thought for the day: Did you catch what Jesus said? “You will follow me afterwards.” Is that just a reference to Peter’s willingness to proclaim the gospel after the resurrection? Or is it perhaps a reference to the legend that Peter eventually meets his end on a cross in Rome, after a lifetime of following Jesus? Either way, it’s a reminder that failure isn’t permanent!

Micah 7:8 (WEB) “Don’t rejoice against me, my enemy. When I fall, I will arise. When I sit in darkness, Yahweh will be a light to me.”