John 13 - Introduction

Jesus Washed His Disciples Feet John Thirteen

Jesus shared a meal with His disciples just before His death. Jesus washing the feet of the disciples was the high light of what took place at the meal. The Devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son to betray Jesus. During the meal Jesus arose, removed His outer garment and wrapped a towel around His waist. He put some water into a large bowl. Then he began washing His disciples' feet and He dried them with the towel. At first Peter objected to Jesus washing his feet because he did not understand what was taking place. Jesus was a servant before He became a sacrifice for the sins of the world. Jesus wanted those disciples and us to learn to serve others. He was giving an example of His "new commandment" to truly love one another. He said, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:34-35)

Jesus washed their feet but He told them that they were not all clean. One of them would betray Him. He knew that Judas was the traitor! He allowed Judas to know that He already recognized his as traitor by giving him the dipped morsel of bread. It is strange but even after Jesus said and did this the other disciples did not realize that Judas was the guilty one. They thought Jesus was just sending Judas on some mission to get what they needed for the feast or to do something for the poor. After Judas left the apostles Jesus talked to the other about His glorification, about His death and about the depth of Divine love. What God has done in and through Jesus Christ shows the depth of God's love for mankind. Jesus also told Peter that He would deny Him three times before sunrise. Let us focus on Divine love and serve God faithfully.