John 13:1-4 (WEL) Before the Passover festival, Jesus knew that his hour had come that he should leave this world to return to the Father. He loved his own who were in the world. He loved them to the end. 2 With supper finished, the Devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 3 And Jesus, knowing that the Father had given everything into his hands and that he had come from God and was returning to God, 4 Got up from supper and laid aside his outer garments, took a towel, and tied it around himself.
Chapter Summary:
Joseph Benson:
“Jesus having finished his public discourses, here at the Passover-supper,
(1) Washes his disciples’ feet, to set them an example of humility and brotherly love, John 13:1-17.
(2) Foretells who should betray him, John 13:18-30.
(3) Speaks of his glorification as at hand, and enjoins his disciples to love one another, John 13:31-35.
(4) Foretells Peter’s denial of him, John 13:36-38.
V1 Before the Passover festival, Jesus knew that his hour had come that he should leave this world to return to the Father. He loved his own who were in the world. He loved them to the end.
Jesus knew His mission long before this time, which John is emphasizing. He was going to the Cross.
The ministries of Jesus:
- His earthly ministry in human flesh was nearly over. Jesus now has a resurrected, recreated body for eternity. This is the type of body believers (1 Corinthians 15:23) will have (1 John 3:2-3, 1 Corinthians 15:42-49, and 1 Corinthians 15:53-54) at the time of Rapture, with some being resurrected and some not seeing death (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
- His ministry as the Passover Lamb will have been completed by His resurrection. When Jesus ascended to heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father, He began His present ministry as Lord of the church (believers) and intercessor (Hebrews 4:14-16 and Hebrews 7:25).
- At the end of the church age, Jesus returns to take all believers to His Father’s house (John 14:1-2), which is the Rapture. At the end of the Tribulation (the 70th week of Daniel’s prophecy regarding the nation of Israel—Daniel 9:24-27).
- Then, Jesus will be the King of the world (Zechariah 14:9 and Revelation 11:15).
- When the literal 1,000 years are finished, then the Lord Jesus will give it all to His Father (1 Corinthians 15:23-26).
Note the loyalty of Jesus’s love: He loved them to the end. The end is the end of their life and further, for eternity.
V2 With supper finished, the Devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him,
The devil gave a suggestion to Judas (temptation), and Judas submitted to the temptation to betray Jesus Christ. Judas loved money; the other eleven Apostles loved Jesus. The love of money is a different God (Luke 16:13) and has many sorrows (1 Timothy 6:10).
The heart refers to the soul, a human’s real person, and namely the mind and will.
It is hard to believe that Judas would betray an innocent man who never lied, went about doing good, and shepherded Israel in many ways. He did so because Judas loved money. See 1 Timothy 6:10 and Matthew 6:24.
V3 And Jesus, knowing that the Father had given everything into his hands and that he had come from God and was returning to God,
Jesus is the heir of all the Father has. Jesus also has preeminence in everything (Colossians 1:18). Jesus also has the instructions from His Father that He is carrying out perfectly aligned with His Father’s will.
Jesus was fully aware of His eternal state and Godhood, that of being God the Son.
Jesus was fully aware that after resurrection, at the ascension, He would return to heaven to be with His Father (God the Father).
John is informing us about the greatness and deity of Jesus Christ.
V4 Got up from supper and laid aside his outer garments, took a towel, and tied it around himself.
Even though Jesus is God, He humbled Himself to be a servant and wash the disciples’ feet.
His clothing was that of a slave.
His attitude was that of a slave.
Principle: Humility is good. Genuine humility is the only true humility. Beware of people acting humble but are arrogant.
We learn:
- Jesus is God and knows everything.
- Jesus knew the plan that would happen soon.
- Jesus knew where He was returning to heaven.
Questions:
- Do you believe that Jesus is God, God the Son?
- Are you willing to humble yourself to help others when needed and when you are able?