1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;
3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
19 Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.
20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
21 When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
22 Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.
23 Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.
25 He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
26 Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.
27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.
28 Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.
29 For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.
30 He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.
31 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
32 If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.
33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
36 Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.
37 Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.
38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.
Chapter 13 of the Book of John in the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible is a powerful chapter that serves as a pivot point in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. It marks the transition from Jesus' public ministry to His private ministry with His disciples. This chapter is filled with profound teachings and symbolic actions that carry deep theological and spiritual implications. The main themes of this chapter include servanthood, betrayal, love, and prophetic revelation. Let’s delve deeper into each of these themes and uncover the profound meaning they carry.
Chapter 13 opens with Jesus washing the disciples' feet, a task typically performed by the lowest servant in the household. However, Jesus, the Master and Lord, stoops to perform this humble task. This act of servanthood is not only a display of humility but also a symbolic gesture carrying a deeper spiritual meaning. Jesus says to Peter, "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me" (John 13:8). This statement signifies the spiritual cleansing necessary for a relationship with Jesus. The act of foot washing symbolizes the cleansing from sin that Jesus provides. It also teaches the disciples, and by extension all believers, the importance of humble service to others.
Another significant event in this chapter is the prediction of Jesus' betrayal by Judas Iscariot. Jesus, being fully aware of Judas' intentions, reveals that one of the disciples will betray Him. The disciples are shocked and bewildered by this revelation. However, Jesus' knowledge of the impending betrayal demonstrates His divine foreknowledge. Even the act of betrayal, as painful as it was, was part of God's redemptive plan. This theme of betrayal brings to light the human capacity for evil, even among those who are close to Jesus.
In this chapter, Jesus gives the disciples a new commandment, which is to "Love one another; as I have loved you" (John 13:34). This commandment is not just about brotherly love or love for humanity. It is about a higher, sacrificial love that mirrors the love of Jesus. This love is not based on feelings or emotions, but on a decision to seek the best for others, even at personal cost. This love is a distinctive mark of the Christian faith. As Jesus said, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35).
Towards the end of the chapter, Jesus predicts Peter's denial. Despite Peter's vehement declaration of loyalty, Jesus reveals that Peter will deny Him thrice before the rooster crows. This prediction not only displays Jesus' foreknowledge but also exposes the weakness and frailty of even the most devoted followers. However, it also offers a glimpse of grace, as Jesus does not reject Peter but continues to entrust him with leadership responsibilities after His resurrection.
Chapter 13 of the Book of John is a tapestry of powerful teachings and symbolic actions that provide insight into the character and mission of Jesus Christ. The themes of servanthood, betrayal, love, and prophetic revelation offer deep spiritual lessons for believers. The servanthood of Jesus challenges believers to adopt an attitude of humility and service. The betrayal of Jesus is a sobering reminder of the human capacity for evil. The new commandment of love calls believers to a higher standard of love that mirrors the love of Jesus. The prophetic revelation of Peter's denial exposes human weakness but also offers a glimpse of divine grace.
In conclusion, Chapter 13 of the Book of John serves as a pivot point in Jesus' ministry. It marks the transition from His public ministry to His private ministry with His disciples. It is filled with profound teachings and symbolic actions that carry deep theological and spiritual implications. The lessons from this chapter are timeless and relevant to believers today. As we strive to follow Jesus, may we learn to serve humbly, love sacrificially, and rely on His grace in our weakness.
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