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This chapter begins just before Passover. In this chapter
Jesus will teach his disciples the full extent of His love. When Jesus humbled Himself to wash
His disciple's feet, it was in full knowledge of His own greatness. Jesus demonstrates the
concept of servant leadership. In eastern culture it is the duty of the slave to remove the
sandals. There wasn't a servant present to do that duty. Jesus waited to see who would
take the leadership role of service to others. When none of the disciples took on the task, Jesus
took the place they deemed beneath them. In verses 6-10 Peter didn't submit in obedience to
what he couldn't understand. Peter hadn't yet experienced the principle of being washed by
Jesus at the cross for the cleansing of his sin. It is the washing of our sin that we must seek from
Him. It is only because of what He has done for us at the cross, His cleansing us from our sins,
that enables us to humbly serve others in our home, church and community. In the Jewish custom, eating was a sign of true friendship. Yet there was one disciple who was a hypocrite (13:18), thief (12:6), and soon to be, traitor. Judas had deceived everyone but Jesus. Judas believed Jesus was the political Messiah that most of the Jewish world had been expecting. He thought that when Messiah became King, he (Judas) would have a position of power and authority. Judas didn't care about the poor. (John 12:5-6.) He no longer desired to be associated with this group that was never going to assume the authority he wanted. He knew the Jewish leaders were looking for Jesus and His disciples. Judas decided to save his own life, but lost it for eternity. There is a great difference between remorse and repentance. Judas felt remorse at what he had done, but he never repented (to ask for forgiveness). When Judas took his own life in Matthew 17:1-10 he demonstrated his unbelief, for at that moment he closed the door to reconciliation. After Judas left, Jesus could instruct the disciples in how they were to live, to be a witness to the truth, and bear fruit in a hostile world. John 13:31-17:26 are the last words of Jesus to His disciples. Jesus calls the disciples "my children" in 13:33 to show His deep affection and yearning for them. Jesus condemned false human glory in verses 37-38. Jesus wanted them to understand that true belief in Him actually involves making Him Lord of one's life. |