John 13

The Last Supper

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1Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He would depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.

Also see Jesus and the Passover

The disciples had been told to prepare for the Passover at the regulated time and in the usual manner. In Mark, Luke, and John the Passover fell on Thursday and in order for Jesus to fulfill the law (the Passover of Ex.12 and Lev. 23) Jesus had to die on Thursday. The next day was a special day or High Sabbath (Friday) and then the regular weekly Sabbath was Saturday. (Ex.12: 16; Lev. 23:6-7). This would have been the day that Jesus was crucified or even the day before (Mk.14:12). For a complete study of the Passover and timeline see (Good Thursday and not Good Friday) For a chart on the Passover look (The Final Days of Jesus and Leviticus chapter 23)
The Chronology of the Events leading to the Last Supper seem to be as follows:

a. Preparations for the Passover and coming to the Upper Room (Matt. 26:17-19; Mk. 14:12-16; Lk. 22:7-13).

b. Opening of the Passover supper by Jesus (Lk. 22:15-18).

c. Dispute among the Disciples (Lk. 22:24-30).

d. Foot Washing and Lessons in greatness (Jn. 13:1-30).

e. The Betrayer revealed and he goes out (Matt. 26; Mk. 14; Lk. 22; Jn. 13).

f. Institution of the Lord's Supper or New Passover (Matt. 26: Mk. 14; Lk. 22).

g. The New Commandment given (Jn.13:33-38).

h. Peter's denial and denial of all disciples foretold (Matt. 26; Mk. 14; Lk. 22).

The Passover/Lord's Supper

And to be the Master, One must first be the Servant

2During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him, 3Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, 4got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself. 5Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. 6So He came to Simon Peter. He said to Him, "Lord, do You wash my feet?" 7Jesus answered and said to him, "What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter." 8Peter said to Him, "Never shall You wash my feet!" Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me." 9Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head."
10Jesus said to him, "He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you." 11For He knew the one who was betraying Him; for this reason He said, "Not all of you are clean."

I. The Opening Remarks are about the Kingdom of God (Lk.22:14-15).

In Luke, Jesus promises that He will not take again of the Lord's Supper (i.e. Passover) until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

(1) The establishment of the church is that fulfillment, because

(2) If the kingdom isn't here already then we can't participate in the Lord's Supper (which is silly)

II. Verse Two___According to many experts, the language concerning the devil is not as clear as one might think. It is not clear whether the devil has put into his own heart that Judas will betray Jesus or in Judas' heart. If we look at verse 27, it seems to support the first reading. But however one may translate this, the Last Supper is a cosmic struggle between good and evil.

III. Verse 3__We are again reminded that all Jesus has came from God (2) Jesus will return to live with God.

IV. Verses 4-5___Foot washing was practiced all over the Medi-Greco-Roman world. It had three main purposes.

1. Personal Hygiene

2. An act of hospitality

3. A cultic act

We must suppose that the foot washing of John 13 is an act of hospitality. Foot washing was a way of welcoming a guest. A person's feet would be dirty after a journey and the host offered water to the guest. Foot washing was normally performed by the guest themselves or by servants at the behest of the host. When Jesus washes His disciple's feet, He combines the role of servant and host. When He wraps Himself with a towel He assumes the garb and position of a servant but the act of hospitality that He offers is the prerogative of the host. It is this odd combination of roles that prompts Peter's protest in verse 6.

V. Verse 6___One cannot infer from verse 6 that Jesus washed Peter's feet first as Augustine declared, or that Jesus washed Peter's feet last as Origen declares. It is common throughout the gospels for Peter to speak for all.

VI. Verse 7___Points to time when all will be understandable to Peter. The future Jesus alludes to is when He returns to the Father.

VII. Verse 8__And now we reach the essence of the foot-washing. Peter obviously did not understand. The inference is that if we want to be with Jesus we must participate fully in His life. To have a "share" with Jesus is to have fellowship with Him. The act of foot-washing was symbolic. Jesus was saying that there was coming a time when He (Jesus) would be the host again and those whom He washed their feet were to be His welcome guests. Through foot-washing Jesus draws the believer to Him. To have Jesus wash one's feet is an extreme act of hospitality and tells us about one's relationship with the Master.

VIII. Verse 9___It is obvious that Peter has misunderstood the gesture of foot washing. Peter thinks this is being done for cleanliness and not for hospitality.

IX. Verse 10___It is here (v.10) that Jesus rejects Peter's interpretation of foot washing. In verse 8, Jesus said that unless one is washed by me (Jesus), that person can have no part with Jesus. In verse 7, Jesus said that foot-washing was not the point. They would understand later what Jesus meant by the foot washing. Peter interprets this gesture wrongly. Peter wants to know why not just take a bath. Jesus corrects Peter's interpretation. Those who have already bathed only need their feet washed.

(1) What is bathing? Nothing other than baptism.

(2) What is foot washing? It typifies a relationship with Jesus where Jesus becomes the servant (He did at the cross). Because of that service He also becomes the host and welcomes His own. Only baptized (bathed) people are those to whom Jesus is host and servant.

X. Verse 11___Jesus reminds us that "they were clean" except the one who was to betray Him. Does this mean that Judas was not baptized? It might, but there is another thing it may mean. In a group of Christians there are those among us who are not clean.

16They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed. Titus 1:16

12So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? 13"You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. 14"If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15"For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. 16"Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. 17"If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. 18"I do not speak of all of you I know the ones I have chosen; but it is that the Scripture may be fulfilled, 'HE WHO EATS MY BREAD HAS LIFTED UP HIS HEEL AGAINST ME.'
19"From now on I am telling you before it comes to pass, so that when it does occur, you may believe that I am He. 20"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me."

I. Verse 12-15___The example of foot-washing is for the believing community. His rhetorical question in v.12 is meant to draw the disciple's attention back to what Jesus has really done and meant.

II. Verse 13-15__It is/was correct to call Jesus the teacher and the Lord. This is the point. Jesus shows them that the master (teacher and Lord) is the servant. Jesus gave them/us this example so that we ought to know how to treat each other.

III. Verse 16___Once again we are reminded of the role of the master/servant. Jesus also states that He is not greater than the One who sent Him.

IV. Verse 17___Following Jesus is more than knowing about Jesus. It is also about "doing."

V. Verse 18-19___Jesus points to Scripture as to who will betray Him.

Verse 18 does not mean that Judas was pre-destined to do these things. It only speaks of God's foreknowledge. The "Scripture" spoken of here is Psalms 41:9 but might also include passages as II Sam. 9: 7-13; Psalms 55:12-14).

The disciples ought to be able to look at the fulfillment of the prophecy and recognize Jesus for who He really was.

VI. Verse 20___Jesus reassures His disciples that to receive them is to receive Jesus. This statement is said in light of the cross. Jesus knows He is about to die and does not want His disciples to lose heart. They are to continue His work.

Jesus Predicts His Betrayal

21When Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit, and testified and said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, that one of you will betray Me." 22The disciples began looking at one another, at a loss to know of which one He was speaking. 23There was reclining on Jesus' bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24So Simon Peter gestured to him, and said to him, "Tell us who it is of whom He is speaking." 25He, leaning back thus on Jesus' bosom, said to Him, "Lord, who is it?" 26Jesus then answered, "That is the one for whom I shall dip the morsel and give it to him." So when He had dipped the morsel, He took and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27After the morsel, Satan then entered into him. Therefore Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly."
28Now no one of those reclining at the table knew for what purpose He had said this to him. 29For some were supposing, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus was saying to him, "Buy the things we have need of for the feast"; or else, that he should give something to the poor. 30So after receiving the morsel he went out immediately; and it was night.

I. Verse 21_ In Chapter Twelve verse 27 Jesus said that His "soul" was troubled. (ψυχή) (psuch&emacr; 5590) soul -s_We now are told in chapter 13that His "spirit" is troubled.

πνεῦμα (pneuma 4151)

1. spirit -s

(from πνέω (pne&omacr; 4154) to blow, breathe; to draw breath, breathe, and so to live); hence, breathing as the sign and condition of life, breath. That which cannot be apprehended by the senses, but is recognised only by its operations or manifestations, as it is seen in life. In the OT πνεῦμα (pneuma 4151) is everywhere the translation of רוח (Ruach) and is the life principle springing from God, and is said to be possessed by all the lower creatures, Gen 6:17; 7:22. Psa 104:29,30. Ecc 3:19,20. Isa 42:5.

Its usages may be thus distinguished:

1. God (Joh 4:24; I Cor. 3:16) as the source of life in all its manifestations.

2. Christ (1Co 6:17. 2Co 3:17,18).

3. The Holy Spirit. Generally with the article, but not always or necessarily so.

4. The Operations of the Holy Spirit. Spiritual gifts (1Co 14:32). Passages marked with asterisk (4*) are pneuma hagion.

5. The New Nature, as the greatest of His gifts. This is the Pauline usage: spirit as opposed to flesh (Joh 3:6. Rom 8:4).

6. Man (Psychologically). Spirit as imparted to man, making him “a living soul”, (Gen 2:7. Psa 104:29,30. Ecc 12:7). When taken back to and by God, man becomes “a dead soul”. (The Hebrew Nephesh (soul) is translated “body” in Lev 21:11. Num 6:6; 19:11,13. “Dead body”, Num 9:6,7,10. Hag 2:13. And “the dead”, Lev 19:28; 21:1; 22:4. Num 5:2; 6:11).

7. Character, as invisible, and manifested only in one's actions (2Ti 1:7. Rom 8:15, etc.).

8. Other Invisible Characteristics (by Metonymy) such as feelings or desires, (Mat 26:41, etc.): or for that which is supernatural.

9. The whole Person (by Synecdoche) a part being put for the whole (Luk 1:47).

10. Adverbially, either in the Dative case, or with a Preposition, as ἐν δόλῳ (en 1722 dol&omacr;i) craftily (2Co 11:16).

11. Angels, or spirit-beings (Heb 1:7,14. Act 8:29. Rev 1:4, etc.). As to 1Pe 3:19, the following should be noted:Reference(s)

2. ghost

the wind, the breath breathed forth, the living principle (predicated of man and beast), breathing as the sign and condition of life, breath.

3. piritual

Here Genitive pluralt of spirits, that is demons, of the actings of which the Gentile Corinthians seemed to be “envious”, confounding them with the Holy Ghost (compare xii. 10).Reference(s)

4. spiritually

(Genitive of (spirit, 1)) of the Spirit, that is “[the mind] of the Spirit [is life and peace]”.Reference(s)

5. wind [noun] -s

the air we breathe, windReference(s)

6. breath

wind, air; the air we breathe, breath; life; a Spirit; a Spiritual Being.

7. life (lives)

wind, breath breathed forth. [When not used for "wind", it expresses immateriality, that which cannot be apprehended by our senses, and which is recognized only by its operations or manifestations. It is seen in life, liveliness, the activities of life, whether these activities be mental, moral, or physical. The πνεῦμα (pneuma 4151) of God is the source of life in all its manifestations. The withdrawal of this πνεῦμα (pneuma 4151) leaves θάνατος (thanatos 2288) (the opposite of of ζωή (z&omacr;

The point ought to be made that in humans, it is the soul that dies and goes to the grave. It is the spirit that goes back to God. In this case, it could be the deep inner spirit of the Lord, it might even be the Holy Spirit but it is probably His attitude (blessed are the meek in spirit). Which ever definition we assign to it, Jesus is perplexed because one is about to betray Him.

I think that Jesus was perplexed and concerned about Judas. Judas was a master of deception. Outwardly he appeared to be just like the other disciples. He even faked concern for the poor (12:4-5). When Jesus uttered His warning (v.21) it fell like a bombshell. Judas joined in portraying himself as one who was dumbfounded.

II. Verses 21-25___the questions begin. Who is it that will betray the Lord?

III. Verse 26___It is here that Judas makes a whole-hearted surrender to Jesus. Satan has accomplished total victory of Judas because Judas allowed it to happen.

IV. Verse 27-28___In these verses Judas is unmistakably identified. John reports that the others at the table did not know why Jesus said these things to Judas.

V. Verse 29-30___Judas apparently could not stand his present company so he departs.

31Therefore when he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him; 32if God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him immediately. 33"Little children, I am with you a little while longer You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, 'Where I am going, you cannot come.' 34"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." 36Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, where are You going?" Jesus answered, "Where I go, you cannot follow Me now; but you will follow later." 37Peter said to Him, "Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You." 38Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly, I say to you, a rooster will not crow until you deny Me three times

I. Verse 31-32___It might seem to most of us that being arrested, tried, and crucified is not a matter of glorification. But not so with Jesus. It is time for Jesus to go to the cross and by this act Jesus glorifies Himself and the Father.

II. Verse 33___Where Jesus was going the disciples could not go.

IIII. Verse 34___The new commandment to love each other (repeated in 1st John 2:3-4).

IV. Verse 35___Love is how we know the disciples of Christ.

V. Verse 36___Peter claims he wants to go but later as seen in 37, Peter will deny Jesus.

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by Lane Rogers