John Chapter 13

The Gospel of John Chapter 13 tells us of the Last Supper where Jesus washes the disciples feet and of his betrayal by Judas Iscariot.This is followed by Jesus' announcement of his departure.

List a few examples of Jesus’ foreknowledge of future events demonstrated in  Chapter 13.

Verse 1 - Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the 

  Father.

Verse 3 - Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had 

    come from God and was returning to God;

Verse 11 - For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every 

    one was clean.

Verse 19 - "I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will         believe that I am He.”

Verse 33 - "My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and  

      just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.”

Verse 38 - Then Jesus answered, "Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the 

      truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!”

What lesson did the washing of feet teach the Apostles and why was it the appropriate time to teach this lesson?

The lesson was to serve Jesus and one another in humility:

“15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.”

The lesson was crucial to understand the manner of servant leadership that would be necessary for them to demonstrate after Jesus’ departure

Do you think Jesus washed Judas’ feet? Why or why not?

I think he did. Judas had not left the room yet as shown in verse 30. Judas also was using the ministry of Jesus for material gain (stealing from the treasury) so it is only a small step to assume he would allow Jesus to serve him in this manner also - or so it seemed to him.

Why didn’t Peter want Jesus to wash his feet?

Because he loved and respected Jesus and thought it was beneath him to wash his feet.

Just as Jesus stated, Peter later understood the meaning of his washing their feet. Peter wrote a letter after the events recorded here in Chapter 13 of the Gospel of John which indicated that he understood the lesson on humility Jesus taught by the foot washing. In fact, he even called for church leadership to humble themselves and to clothe themselves in humility. Where does Peter’s call to humility appear in scripture?

It is found in 1 Peter Chapter 5, verses 1-7

5:1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers-not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Jesus is obviously referring to Judas in Chapter 13, verses 10 and 11. What do you think is meant by the word clean?

I think he was saying that Judas was neither repentant, nor reverent to God, or respectful of His Son, nor pure in intent. Jesus is speaking figuratively I believe and therefore I believe the word clean signifies the new heart of the other 11 disciples – a heart hungry for spiritual truth and service; not one greedy for personal gain as was Judas’. I also believe it to be a foreshadow of the cleanliness of the Holy Spirit and the new birth.

“10 Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.”

Who could Jesus have been speaking of in Chapter 13, verse 16 that were servants and messengers?

Servants: us as believers; the disciples, especially Judas Iscariot; himself (in relation to God the Father)

Messengers: John the Baptist; Jesus; the disciples (especially not Judas); us

“16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.”

What things is Jesus referring to in Chapter 13, verse 17?

Serve one another in humility and love

What scripture is Jesus referring to in Chapter 13, verse 18 where he says “But this is to fulfill the scripture: 'He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.'?

Psalm 41:9 - “Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.”

What things do each of the following verses tell us about Judas’ plan to betray Jesus?

Mark 14:3-11

1 Judas devised his plan began after he witnessed what he thought might be a loss of income with the anointing of Jesus feet by Mary

2 Judas went to The Chief Priests and offered to betray Jesus

3 The Chief Priests were delighted at the prospect

4 Judas was not given the money up front but was promised

Luke 22:1-6

1 The plan was to arrest Jesus when there was no crowd present

2 Judas plotted with the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the officers of the temple guard

3 The chief priests and the teachers of the law wanted to get rid of Jesus because they were afraid of the people

4 Satan entered Judas

How was Jesus glorified (see Chapter 13, verse 31) and God glorified in Jesus (see Chapter 13, verse 32)?

Jesus was glorified in that he laid down his life for the sins of the world according to the will of The Father

God is glorified in that He saved the world through the painful sacrifice of his son and in the love that Jesus has shown Him in always doing His will.

How did Jesus demonstrate his love for his disciples?

He washed their feet He told the the truth He died for their sins

Why do you think Peter wanted to know which disciple Jesus was talking about?

Because he loved Jesus and wanted to protect him; as a leader he may have tried to give him the sword.

In Chapter 13, verse 23 John describes himself as the disciple that Jesus loved. Who else is mentioned in scripture as being loved by Jesus?

Martha, Mary and Lazarus

John 11:3 - So the sisters (Martha and Mary) sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick."

John 11:5 - Jesus loved Martha and her sister (Mary) and Lazarus.

John 11:36 - Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"(Lazarus)

Why might Jesus’ foretelling at the end of Chapter 13 of Peter disowning him three times have been so terribly troubling to Peter?

Because he loved Jesus deeply and might have thought he would be the one to betray him.

Questions to Answer On you Own 

Describe how you felt when betrayed by someone you trusted. What do you think was their motivation? Have you forgiven them?

Why is it so noticeable when Christians demonstrate love for one another? How is it so different that it marks us as disciples of Jesus? What are some examples of this Christian love for one another?