John 13 - The King James Study Bible

13:4,5. Began to wash the disciples’ feet: Washing the guests’ feet was always done by the humblest of the servants. It was considered a menial task. Perhaps Jesus had waited for one of the disciples to perform this task, but they were evidently debating who should be the greatest (cf. Luke 22:24–27). The purpose of the action was to set an example (v. 15), not to establish an ordinance. He said, “Do as I have done to you,” not “Do what I have done to you.” It was a lesson on humility and service they sorely needed.

13:9,10. If a guest had bathed properly at home, only his feet needed cleansing. Jesus says the whole bath is not necessary because Peter has already been washed (saved). Jesus uses Peter’s comment to suggest that a traitor was in their midst. One of them needs the whole bath, but it is not Peter. Washed (leloumenos) should be translated “bathed.” The whole body needed this. Wash (nipsasthai) is properly translated. Only the hands and feet needed this. This same word is used in verses 5,6,8,12, and 14. In verse 13, washing their feet did not mean that He was not their Lord; rather it showed that the work of the Lord was service (cf. Phil. 2:6–8).

13:14,15. Wash one another’s feet: Jesus is merely setting an example, not establishing an ordinance. There is little evidence that the early church practiced foot-washing, except as a social custom. The practice is not mentioned in Acts. The only other mention in the New Testament is 1 Timothy 5:10, where widows may be provided for by the church only if they have practiced this custom specifically on the saints.

13:23. One of his disciples: The disciple whom Jesus loved was John. Peter beckoned to him to ask Jesus to identify the betrayer. Peter was carrying a sword (cf. 18:10). Perhaps he intended to use it on the culprit on this occasion.

13:26. A host would often distinguish an honored guest by giving him a choice morsel dipped in the sauce and placing it on his tongue. Contrast this with Judas’s kiss in the garden. Evidently only John heard the explanation of this act. See verse 28.

13:30. And it was night: Given the light versus darkness imagery in John’s writing, this observation should not go unnoticed. The Lord Jesus is about to engage the forces of darkness. This is the “hour” He has long awaited.

13:31. Now . . . glorified refers to Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (cf. 12:31).

13:37,38. Peter’s profession reveals his pride. Jesus predicts just the opposite response from Peter than Peter claims would occur. This is the second of three times when John contrasts Peter with Judas. See also chapters 6 and 18.