John 13 - Life Application Study Bible

13:1 Jesus knew he would be betrayed by one of his disciples, denied by another, and deserted by all of them for a time. Still, he “loved them to the very end.” God knows us completely, as Jesus knew his disciples (2:24-25; 6:64). He knows the sins we have committed and the ones we will yet commit. Still, he loves us. How do you respond to that kind of love?

13:1-3 For more information on Judas Iscariot, see his profile.

13:1-17 Jesus was the model servant, and he showed his servant attitude to his disciples. Washing guests’ feet was a job for a household servant to carry out when guests arrived. But Jesus wrapped a towel around his waist, as the lowliest slave would do, and washed and dried his disciples’ feet. If even he, God in the flesh, serves so willingly, we—his followers—must also be servants, willing to serve in any way that glorifies God. What would that kind of service mean in your home, your workplace, or your ministry? Are you willing to follow Jesus’ example of serving? Whom can you serve today? Jesus blesses those who not only agree that humble service is Christ’s way but also follow through and do it (13:17).

13:1–17:26 John 13–17 reveals what Jesus said to his disciples on the night before his death. These words were all spoken in one evening when, with only the disciples as his audience, he gave final instructions to prepare them for his death and resurrection, events that would change their lives forever.

13:6-7 Imagine being Peter and watching Jesus wash the others’ feet, all the while moving closer to you. Seeing his master behave like a slave must have confused Peter. He still did not understand Jesus’ teaching that to be a leader a person must be a servant. This uncomfortable truth challenges leaders who find it difficult to serve those under their authority. How do you treat those who work under you, whether children, employees, or volunteers?

13:8-9 When Jesus responded, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me,” he may have meant (1) that unless he washed away Peter’s sins by his death on the cross, Peter could have no relationship with him; or (2) that unless Peter submitted to him and allowed him to minister in this way, Peter would never learn the lesson of servanthood. Either way, Peter seemed to grasp the significance of Jesus’ words, for he then wanted to be bathed completely: “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!”

13:12-20 Jesus did not wash his disciples’ feet just to get them to show greater hospitality to each other. His far greater goal was to extend his mission on earth after he was gone. These men were to move into the world serving God, serving each other, and serving all people to whom they would take the message of salvation.

13:22 Judas was not the obvious betrayer. After all, he was the one the disciples were trusting to keep the money (12:6; 13:29).

13:26 The honored guest at a meal was often singled out like this.

13:27 Satan’s part in the betrayal of Jesus does not remove any of the responsibility from Judas. He gave in to Satan’s prompting. Disillusioned because Jesus was talking about dying rather than setting up his Kingdom, Judas may have been trying to force Jesus’ hand and make him use his power to prove he was the Messiah. Or perhaps Judas, not understanding Jesus’ mission, no longer believed that Jesus was God’s chosen one. Whatever Judas thought, Satan assumed that Jesus’ death would end his mission and thwart God’s plan. Like Judas, Satan did not know that Jesus’ death was the most important part of God’s plan all along.

13:27-38 John describes these few moments in clear detail. We can see that Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen. He knew about Judas and Peter, but he did not change the situation, nor did he stop loving them. In the same way, Jesus knows exactly what you will do to hurt him. Yet he still loves you unconditionally and will forgive you whenever you ask him. Judas couldn’t understand this and tragically ended his life in suicide. Peter understood, and despite his shortcomings, his life ended triumphantly because he never let go of his faith in the one who loved him.

13:34 To love others was not a new commandment (see Leviticus 19:18), but to love others as much as Jesus loved others was revolutionary. Now we are to love others based on Jesus’ sacrificial love for us. Such love will not only bring unbelievers to faith in Jesus but also keep believers strong and united in a world hostile to God. Jesus was a living example of God’s love, as we are to be as well. When you are faced with Jesus’ teaching, do you automatically think about the people in your life who are hard to love or whom you feel like you can’t love? The love Jesus calls us to show seems humanly impossible. In order to have this kind of love, we need to humble ourselves by realizing that Jesus died for us and our unlovely sins. Then we need the Holy Spirit to pour out God’s love in our hearts so we can love others (Romans 5:5).

13:34-35 Jesus says that our Christlike love will show we are his disciples. Do people see petty bickering, jealousy, and division in your church? Or do they know you are Jesus’ followers by your love for one another?

Love is more than simply warm feelings; love reveals itself in action. How can we love others as Jesus loves us? By helping even when we are too busy; by giving sacrificially; by devoting energy to others’ welfare rather than our own; by absorbing hurts from others without complaining, fighting back, or seeking revenge. These are just a few examples, but this kind of loving is hard to do. That is why people notice when you do it. When they do, you can explain that your actions are empowered by a supernatural source. The Bible has another beautiful description of love in 1 Corinthians 13.

13:37-38 Peter proudly told Jesus that he was ready to die for him, but Jesus corrected him. He knew Peter would deny that he knew Jesus that very night to protect himself (18:15-18, 25-27). In our enthusiasm, we can make impulsive promises, but God knows the extent of our commitment. Paul tells us not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought (Romans 12:3). Instead of bragging, demonstrate your commitment step-by-step as you grow in your knowledge of God’s Word and in your faith.