“A Journey with John” Day 23: It’s suppertime (John 13:1-38)
Updated: Mar 24
Last time we heard Jesus explaining that a grain of wheat only multiplies when it dies, or gives up its form; then, out of that one grain will come a great increase. We heard Him talking about the fact that He knows that His mission is about to be completed. Also, our guide told us that so many people rejecting Jesus, actually fulfilled prophecy. Sadly, he told us that there were many of the religious leaders who actually did believe in Jesus, but they were afraid to say anything, lest they be put out of the synagogue.
Before heading out on today’s adventure, let’s look at the new people to whom we were introduced last time:
>Greeks – they came to Jerusalem, seeking Jesus
Our guide is waiting. Let’s join him and see where we’ll go today. It sounds like it might be suppertime.
Our guide begins today’s adventure by telling us that Jesus knows that the time has come for Him to leave this world and go to be with His Father. He also says that what Jesus is about to do, is because He knows that He came from the Father, and is going back to the Father. Our guide also shares with us that Satan has already put it in Judas‘s mind to betray Jesus. As we go into the scene, we see that the disciples have finished up their supper. Jesus now takes a towel and puts around His waist. He then takes a basin of water, and begins to wash the disciples’ feet. When He comes to Peter, Peter objects and expresses that Jesus should not wash his feet. Jesus explains to him that if He does not wash him, he cannot belong to Him. Peter quickly changes his tune, saying that Jesus should wash his hands and head, as well. Jesus then explains that if you’re already clean, all you need washed, is your feet. Jesus says that they’re all clean, except for one. (Our guide tells us that Jesus is speaking of Judas.) After dressing Himself, Jesus sits down with them again. He tells them that if He, being their teacher and master, has washed their feet, they ought to wash each other’s feet. Having said these things, Jesus then plainly indicates that one of the disciples will betray Him. This seems to trouble all of the disciples. At this, Peter motions for John to ask Jesus who it is. When asked, Jesus says it’s the one who will take the bread that He’s about to dip. He then dips the bread and gives it to Judas. Our guide tells us that at this point, Satan fully entered into Judas! Jesus, then told him to go and quickly do what he was going to do. Our guide tells us that at this point the disciples thought Jesus was instructing Judas to go buy provisions for the feast, or to give something to the poor, because he was the keeper of the money box. After Judas goes out, Jesus tells the remaining disciples that He’s giving them a new commandment. Jesus says that they should love one another. In fact, Jesus says that this is the way that people will know that they are His disciples: if they love one another. Jesus then says that He is going away and they can’t go with Him. Peter responds that he will follow Him anywhere. Jesus then tells Peter that before the rooster crows, he will have denied him three times.
Our highlighted verses for today:
“And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?” Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” Jesus said to him, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, “You are not all clean.” You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. “I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.’ When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke. Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake.” Jesus answered him, “Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times.”
John 13:2-6, 8, 10-11, 13-14, 18, 21, 23-24, 26-27, 34-35, 37-38 NKJV
Question for reflection:
Why didn’t Peter want Jesus to wash his feet?
Next time Jesus is going to tell the disciples some things they need to know before He goes away.