SCRIPTURE: JOHN 13
JESUS WASHES HIS DISCIPLE’S FEET (vs. 1-17)
Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. He was showing the full extent of his love to his own people who were in the world. When the evening meal was being served during the Passover Feast,. the devil had prompted Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power,, and that he had come from God and was returning to God. So, he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter to wash his feet but Peter refused. Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” (v. 8) Simon Peter replied, “Then Lord, not just my feet but my hands and my head as well.” (v. 9) 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.” (v. 10) For Jesus knew who was going to betray him.
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. Then Jesus told them: “Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me “Teacher” and “Lord”, and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (vs. 12-17)
JESUS PREDICTS HIS BETRAYAL (vs. 18-30)
To fulfill the Scripture being written, Jesus said, “He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me” (v. 18). Then He continued; “I am telling you now before it happens so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He. I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me. I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me.” (vs. 19-21). His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. Simon Peter asked John to ask Jesus what he meant. So John leaning back against Jesus asked him, “Lord, who is it?” (v. 25). Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” (v. 26). Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus told Judas to do what he wanted to do quickly. Judas took the bread and went out.
JESUS PREDICTS PETER’S DENIAL (vs. 31-38)
Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. 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. A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (vs. 31-35)
Simon Peter asked Jesus where he was going. Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.” (v. 36). Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” (v. 37). 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!” (v. 38)
THOUGHTS:
Before Jesus left this world, he showed his servanthood attitude to His disciples by washing their feet. He taught them a lesson of fellowship in keeping themselves clean. He also set an example of humility. As followers of Christ, we must also be servants willing to serve in any way. Are you willing to follow Christ’s example of serving? How do you treat those who work under you?
Jesus gave them a new command to LOVE ONE ANOTHER so that all men will know that they are His disciples. This law that Jesus was talking is the sacrificial love that Christ showed to mankind. Such love will not only bring unbelievers to Christ, it will also keep believers strong and united in a world hostile to God. Jesus was a living example of God’s love, as we are to be living examples of Jesus’ love. Do people know you are Jesus’ followers by your love for one another?
How can we show our love to others as Jesus loves us?
- By helping even if it is not convenient.
- By giving to the needy
- By caring for the welfare of others
- By forgiving people who had hurt us
Peter proudly told Jesus that he was ready to die for him. But Jesus corrected Peter that he would deny Him 3 times before the rooster crows. It is easy to make promises, but God knows the extent of our commitment. Let us demonstrate our commitment step by step as we grow in knowledge of God’s Word and in faith.