The Weekly Show: Episode 52 - John 13:1-20

Join Tim and John as they talk about life and study John Chapter 13 Verses 1-20.

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/

Introduction to John 13:1–20

As John transitions into the final hours before Jesus' arrest and crucifixion, chapter 13 marks the beginning of what is often called the Upper Room Discourse (John 13–17). These chapters focus less on public miracles and confrontations, and more on intimate teaching and preparation for the disciples.

In John 13:1–20, Jesus gives a living parable of His mission and character by washing the disciples’ feet. This act—usually done by the lowliest servant—sets the tone for all that follows. Jesus, knowing His hour had come, demonstrates humble love, servant leadership, and spiritual cleansing, foreshadowing His ultimate act of service on the cross.

This moment isn’t just about foot-washing—it’s a deeply symbolic gesture:

• It models how disciples should treat one another (13:14–15).
  
  
• It reflects the cleansing necessary to have a part with Christ (13:8).
  
  
• It reveals Jesus' awareness of His betrayer (13:11, 18–19), yet even then, He shows grace.
  
  

This passage introduces a core theme that will carry through to the crucifixion and resurrection:
True greatness is found in humility. True love is shown in service.

Key Context:

• The setting is the night before Jesus’ death.
  
  
• The Passover is near (13:1), reminding readers of the Lamb of God imagery.
  
  
• Jesus’ full awareness of His identity, authority, and destiny is highlighted (13:3), making His humility even more profound.”

 

Let’s explore how Jesus turns a simple, menial act into one of the most powerful lessons in the gospel narrative.

 

The Setting: The Night Before Jesus’ Death

John 13 begins with a powerful statement:

“Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come...” (John 13:1)

Unlike the Synoptic Gospels, John doesn’t focus on the Passover meal itself but highlights the moment:

• Jesus’ hour had come. Throughout John’s Gospel, Jesus often said, “My hour has not yet come” (e.g., John 2:4; 7:30). But now, the hour has come—the cross is imminent.
  
  
• This meal takes place the night before the crucifixion—a moment of deep emotional weight and spiritual significance. Jesus is fully aware of what’s coming (v. 1, 3, 11). He knows He is going to the cross, He knows Judas will betray Him, and He knows His time with the disciples is short.

The Meal: A Moment of Intimacy

Though John doesn’t describe the Passover elements (bread, wine, etc.) like the other Gospels, John 13:2 notes that:

“During supper...”

This meal likely coincides with or precedes the Passover Feast, which would have been celebrated with close family and friends. But in this room, Jesus redefines the meaning of fellowship and the Kingdom of God:

• He shares a final meal with those who’ve walked with Him for three years.
  
  
• This is not just a farewell meal, but a sacred moment of revelation and instruction.
  
  
• What happens during this meal will echo in the lives of the disciples forever.
  
  

It’s during this meal that Jesus washes their feet, predicts His betrayal, and gives the new commandment to love one another (13:34).

The Upper Room: A Sanctuary of Teaching and Love

The Upper Room—though not described in physical detail by John—is a sacred space in early Christian memory. In this moment:

• Heaven touches earth. The Creator kneels before His creation and washes their feet.
  
  
• The humility of God is on display in an unforgettable way.
  
  
• This room becomes a place of transition: from public ministry to private intimacy, from earthly fellowship to eternal purpose.
  
  

In John’s narrative, the Upper Room becomes a classroom, a chapel, and a throne room, all in one:

• Jesus teaches about servanthood, love, betrayal, and glory.
  
  
• The disciples receive their final instructions before their world is turned upside down.
  
  
• The King of Heaven takes on the towel of a servant—the crown of thorns is only hours away.

Key Theme One Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet — A Study on Humility, Cleansing, and Love:

Jesus, knowing His hour had come, does something unexpected—He washes His disciples' feet.

“Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.” (v.1)

This is a stunning moment of servant leadership, spiritual symbolism, and radical love.

The Heart of Jesus (v.1)

• Jesus knew His hour had come.
  
  
• He knew He was about to return to the Father.
  
  
• He knew Judas would betray Him.
  
  

And yet—He chose love. This is agapē love: selfless, sacrificial, enduring.

The Act of Foot Washing (v.2–5)

“He rose from supper, laid aside His garments, and took a towel…”

Context:

• In 1st-century Palestine, foot washing was reserved for the lowest of servants.
  
  
• Roads were dirty, sandals were worn, and feet were often filthy.
  
  
• None of the disciples volunteered to wash feet—Jesus does.
  
  

Symbolism:

• “Laid aside His garments” — Like laying aside His heavenly glory (Philippians 2:6–8).
  
  
• “Took a towel and girded Himself” — The King of glory dressed like a servant.
  
  
• “Began to wash their feet” — This is not just about cleanliness—it’s a picture of spiritual cleansing.

Peter’s Protest and Jesus’ Response (v.6–10)

Peter resists:

“Lord, are You washing my feet?” (v.6)
“You shall never wash my feet!” (v.8)

Peter is uncomfortable seeing Jesus act like a servant. But Jesus replies:

“If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” (v.8)

Lesson:

• Jesus must wash us—we cannot cleanse ourselves.
  
  
• This is a picture of salvation and daily sanctification:
  
  
  • Initial washing = salvation.
    
    
  • Ongoing foot washing = daily repentance and cleansing (1 John 1:9).
    
    

Peter, always extreme, swings the other way:

“Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!” (v.9)

Jesus gently explains:

“He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet…” (v.10)

The Shadow of Betrayal (v.11)

Jesus says:

“You are clean, but not all of you.”

He knew Judas would betray Him.
Yet—He washed Judas' feet too.

Let that sink in:
Jesus humbled Himself even before His betrayer.

Key Theme Two: The Call to Follow the Servant King

Verses & Themes Breakdown Verses 12–14: “Do you know what I have done to you?”

“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.”

Jesus affirms who He is—Teacher and Lord—but shows that true authority expresses itself through service.

He flips power upside down:

The one who is highest becomes the servant of all.

Verse 15: “I have given you an example”

Jesus doesn’t just teach service—He models it.

“I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.”

He is not instituting a ritual—He is giving us a lifestyle of humility.

Example = hupodeigma (Greek): a model to imitate closely.
Not just something to admire—something to follow.

Verses 16–17: Servants and Messengers

“A servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.”

Jesus reminds them:

• If the Master served, so must the servants.
  
  
• If Jesus washed feet, we have no excuse not to.
  
  

“If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”
The blessing isn’t in knowing — it’s in doing.

This is the Great Reversal of the Kingdom:

• Leaders are servants.
  
  
• The path to greatness is low.
  
  
• Obedience brings blessing.

Verses 18–20: The Shadow of Betrayal Again

“He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.”

Jesus quotes Psalm 41:9 to show His betrayal was prophesied.
But even in this pain, He is in control.

“I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He.” (v.19)
This echoes God’s language from Isaiah — another hint at Jesus' divinity.

And then He makes this bold statement:

“He who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.” (v.20)

The Disciples are being commissioned:
To serve like Jesus.
To represent Jesus.
To carry the authority of the One who sent them.

Conclusion to John 13:1–20

"The Servant King and the Way of the Towel"

In this powerful passage, we witness the heart of Jesus on full display. On the night of His betrayal, as the cross looms near, Jesus chooses not to focus on Himself—but on His disciples. He wraps a towel around His waist and washes their feet, demonstrating a love that is both humble and sacrificial.

He shows us that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is not found in power or position, but in service. As Teacher and Lord, He had every right to be served—yet He stooped low to serve others. This is not just a symbolic act; it is a model for Christian living.

He calls us to do the same: to love, to serve, to go low, and to carry His mission forward in humility.

The blessing He promises is not found in knowledge alone, but in obedient action. “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (v.17). He equips and commissions His disciples—and us—to serve in His name and to reflect His heart in the world.

Even as He acknowledges the coming betrayal, Jesus remains steady, reminding us that He is always in control, and that our calling flows from His example.

Final Takeaway:

Pick up the towel. Follow the Servant King. Bless others through humble love.
Because the path to glory always begins with service.