John 13: Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet

Read John chapter 13

Introduction: In John 13, we see Jesus displaying his love and humility as he washes his disciples’ feet, He foretells his betrayal, and gives a new commandment to love one another. The latter of the three main subjects of this chapter would cure all the ills of the world if the world would put it into practice, love one another. This chapter points out the importance of servanthood and the fulfillment of prophecy.

I. Jesus washes the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17)
Jesus, knowing his time had come, decides to wash his disciples’ feet as an act of his love and humility. This act was usually performed by a servant, but Jesus takes on this role to teach his disciples a lesson. I served at a church one time where occasional foot washing was put to practice as part of their worship service, and I have to tell you, it is easier to wash someone’s feet than to have you feet washed. It occurred to me, it took more humility for someone to was your feet than for me to wash someone’s feet, that was my experience with foot washing. Some other verses from the Bible about this subject include Philippians 2:7, where the Bible says Jesus humbled himself and took on the form of a servant. Matthew 20:28, Jesus came to serve, not to be served. And in 1 Peter 5:5, the Bible tells us that we are called to be humble and serve one another.

II. Jesus predicts his betrayal (John 13:18-30)
Jesus, troubled in spirit, reveals that one of his disciples will betray him. He identifies Judas as the betrayer by giving him a piece of bread. Judas then leaves to carry out his betrayal. Cross reference verses about this can be found in Psalm 41:9, where the Bible shows us a prophecy about being betrayed by a close friend. There is no pain like betrayal pain in my estimation. In Mark 14:18-21, Jesus predicts his betrayal during the Last Supper. And in Acts 1:16-20, Peter speaks about Judas’ betrayal and its fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

III. Jesus gives a new commandment (John 13:31-38)
After Judas leaves, Jesus gives a new commandment to his disciples to love one another as he has loved them. He also predicts Peter’s denial, showing that even the most faithful and loyal can falter in the right situation. These are words we as believers should  take to heart, because the devil will put us in some bad situations in life. To love one another is a command that can be found in Leviticus 19:18, where God gives the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself. The Bible also tells us in 1 John 3:23 that this is Jesus’ commandment, that we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another. In Matthew 26:34, Jesus predicts that Peter will deny Him three times before the cock crows.

Conclusion: John 13 shows us the depth of Jesus’ love and humility as he serves his disciples and gives them a new commandment to love one another. This chapter challenges us as believers to follow Jesus’ example of servanthood and to love others as he has loved us. It is also a reminder to believers that even the most faithful can stumble in the right circumstances, but Jesus’ love and forgiveness are always available for anyone  who might stumble in this life. It is good to know that with Jesus, we all get a second chance!