John 13 - King James Version Bible Commentary

Jn 13:1. Christ’s appointed time had come when He would leave this world. He loved them unto the end (or to the uttermost).

Jn 13:2-3. In the midst of this loving scene one can observe the work of Satan, for it was Satan who put the idea of betrayal into Judas’ mind. To fully appreciate the Lord’s humility, one must remember that all things had been given into his hands. The all-powerful One was about to wash His disciples’ feet.

Jn 13:4-5. It was customary in Oriental homes for the servant to wash the feet of guests to remove the dust. However, Christ had requested privacy for His supper and, consequently, no servant was present. The disciples were too proud to perform this menial task; therefore, the Lord took the basin and washed the feet of His disciples.

Jn 13:6-7. Impulsive Peter strongly objected to this act of humility. Christ responded to Peter’s question by implying that there is a deeper meaning in washing feet. One day Peter would understand that this was a graphic illustration of Christ’s humility.

Jn 13:8-9. Peter responds. Thou shalt never wash my feet. Christ is thinking of His overall humiliation and death when He states that if Peter is not washed, he has no part with Christ. Peter is still thinking about physical washing.

Jn 13:10-11. A person who is washed (i.e., saved, Tit 3:5) does not need another bath. However, many times his feet may get dirty from the world, and he needs his feet washed (I Jn 1:7-9).

Jn 13:12. Christ now asks them if they have understood the meaning of what He has done.

Jn 13:13-14. If the Master and Lord is willing to humble Himself to the point of washing His disciples’ feet, then the disciples should be willing to do the same thing.

Jn 13:15. Given you an example. Christ is not instituting an ordinance of footwashing, but is showing an example of humility. He does not command us to perform this act, but to acquire the attitude that this activity displays.

Jn 13:16-17. Blessing (happy are ye) is the result of practicing a life of humility and service.

Jn 13:18. I speak not of you all. Not all the disciples would have blessings on their lives because they were humble. One of the group who would eat with Christ would betray Him. Christ is speaking of Judas (cf. Ps 41:9).

Jn 13:19-20. Christ forewarned the disciples that this would take place. The disciples did not later question Christ’s choice of Judas since this was all a part of God’s plan. To accept Christ means to accept the Father.

Jn 13:21-22. The time had come to clearly state that one of the disciples would betray Him. This brought sorrow and grief to the Lord. The disciples were shocked, and in amazement they looked (kept on looking) one on another.

Jn 13:23-24. John, the beloved disciple, was leaning on Jesus. This was the customary way to recline at the table. Simon probably assumed that John knew the identity of this betrayer.

Jn 13:25-26. John asked, who is it? Christ did not identify the betrayer by name, but stated that He would give the sop (a piece of bread dipped in sauce) to the betrayer. Sop was usually given as a token of friendship. Even in betrayal, the Lord loved Judas.

Jn 13:27. Now the progress of Satan; Jn 13:2 states, the devil having now put into the heart. Satan went a step further and took full possession of Judas.

Jn 13:28-29. The whole company of disciples did not understand this. Christ had addressed His statement about the sop to John and consequently, he was the only one who understood its implications.

Jn 13:30. It was night. Note the symbolism here. As Judas went out from the Saviour to betray Him, he was surrounded by darkness. This symbolizes the evil and sin surrounding the action of Judas.

Jn 13:31-32. With the exit of Judas the scene is now set for the death and ultimate glorification of Christ. God would glorify the Son through the Son’s passion, and would show the close relationship between the two.

Jn 13:33. Little children. This is the only time this phrase is used in the Gospels.

Jn 13:34. Christ commands them to love, as I have loved you. The love Christians should display for each other must be a sacrificial love similar to the Lord’s love.

Jn 13:35. Grasp the meaning of this verse. In a day of church schisms and divisions, the words of Christ have deep, significant meaning. The world should recognize us as followers of Christ because our relationship to each other is permeated with love.

3. Predicting Peter’s denial.John 13:36-38

Jn 13:36-38. Peter is still a little confused. Christ tells him that he will follow afterwards. Peter’s time of death had not yet come (Heb 9:27). Note Peter’s impulsiveness. He wants to be with Christ now. Christ predicted the exact opposite of Peter’s claims. Peter said he would die, but Christ died. Peter would deny his Master.