Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Vital Concepts & Truths to Know in John 13• The betrayal was a pivotal moment in the suffering of

Jesus!– “Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart…”

(John 13:1; cf. 12:23).• John 12 began the last week of Jesus’ life. John 13 begins the last 24

hours.– The betrayal set into motion the final events.

• “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him” (13:31).• The betrayal led into the death, resurrection, ascension & coronation of

Christ.– It was necessary that it be done (John 13:18), but troublesome

nonetheless (13:21).

Vital Concepts & Truths to Know in John 13• Satan works little by little and doesn’t give up!– “The devil having already put it into the heart of Judas…to

betray Him” (John 13:2).• Judas was not always under the influence of Satan, but the seed was

planted!• The plotting had already begun before the feast (Luke 22:3-6)!• Judas willingly allowed Satan into his heart because of his love for

money!– “Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him” (John 13:27).

• Satan loves to inflame and spur on doubt, frustration, self-seeking, etc.• However, he cannot force one to violate his free will (cf. James 1:13-15).

Vital Concepts & Truths to Know in John 13• Satan works little by little and doesn’t give up!– The last four words of John 13:30 describe the condition of soul

that Satan desires:• “And it was night.” Satan works best “at night” (cf. Ac. 26:18; Eph. 6:12;

1 Th. 5:5).• Judas was no longer walking in the light; he was now in great darkness

(cf. 8:12).– But, even Satan’s best efforts cannot impede the will of God

(John 13:20).

Vital Concepts & Truths to Know in John 13• God’s blessings are always conditional upon obedience

(John 13:17; cf. Matt. 7:21).• Jesus knows you!– He knew what Judas was going to do when Judas thought he

was hiding it (13:10-11).• Jesus knew Judas was not clean & that he was already betraying (10-11).• Jesus knew what Scripture said, too (John 13:18).

– He knew what Peter was going to do before Peter knew it himself (John 13:38).• Jesus knew when Peter was going to do it – “before the rooster shall…

crow…”• Jesus knew how many times he’d do it – “till you have denied Me three

times.”

An Overview/Theme of John 13: “Love, Humility & Greatness”

• Jesus loved His disciples deeply!– He “loved them to the end,” to the uttermost limits (John 13:1).

• Jesus’ love is unparalleled in depth, breadth & length.• Jesus’ love is not affected by the failure or unworthiness of the

recipients.• Jesus loved Judas (who would betray Him) and Peter (who would deny

Him).– Unlike the Jews, He said the disciples would follow to heaven,

just not now (33, 36).

An Overview/Theme of John 13: “Love, Humility & Greatness”

• The disciples disputed often about greatness and who would be the greatest!– Near the middle of Jesus’ ministry (Matt. 18:1-4; Mark 9:33-37;

Luke 9:46-48).– Near the end of Jesus’ ministry (Matt. 20:20-28; Mk. 10:35-45).– Even in the upper room (Luke 22:24-30).

• This provides the background to the events of John 13.• The disciples faced grave dangers: pride, self-seeking & worldly

ambition.– In John 13, Jesus addressed this problem head on, in precept

and example.

An Overview/Theme of John 13: “Love, Humility & Greatness”

• Jesus, through an expression of His love, demonstrated the path to greatness!– Jesus knew fully His divine nature, divine mission and divine

power (John 13:3). No one greater!• This emphasizes all the more the condescension of His lowly act!

– Jesus & disciples met in upper room for Passover (Mk 14:14-16)• No host to properly greet them & no disciple volunteered to perform

host duties.• They were all “too great” to stoop to the level of a servant (cf. John

13:16).– Having “all things into His hands,” Jesus took a towel and basin

(John 13:3-5).

An Overview/Theme of John 13: “Love, Humility & Greatness”

• Jesus, through an expression of His love, demonstrated the path to greatness!– Jesus performed the most menial task imaginable – washing

dirt & grime from feet!• Peter asked, “Lord, are YOU washing MY feet?” (John 13:6). The

absurdity!• Peter asserted, “YOU shall never wash MY feet!” (John 13:8).

Impetuous!– Jesus washed Judas’ feet and Peter’s feet! Stop and think

about that!

An Overview/Theme of John 13: “Love, Humility & Greatness”

• Jesus, through an expression of His love, demonstrated the path to greatness!– Jesus explained His object lesson!

• Jesus, our Teacher and Lord, teaches by precept and example (13:13-14).• Jesus gave an example, a pattern to follow (John 13:13-15).

– “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have…you also ought to…” (John 13:14).– “You should do as I have done to you” (John 13:15).

• If the sovereign Master humbly & lovingly did the most menial tasks (3),– And, if “a servant is not greater than his master…” (John 13:16),– And, since “you know these things…” (John 13:17),– Then, you can & will only be blessed “if you do them” humbly (John 13:17).

• To be in Christ & His kingdom & enjoy His blessings, must be humble (8).• Genuine greatness comes only through humble service (cf. Luke 22:26)!

An Overview/Theme of John 13: “Love, Humility & Greatness”

• Jesus loved Judas!– “He loved them (including Judas) to the end” (John 13:2).– Jesus “knew who would betray Him” and still washed his feet

(John 13:10-11).– Jesus “was troubled in spirit” about His betrayer, but didn’t

scorn or single out (21).

An Overview/Theme of John 13: “Love, Humility & Greatness”

• Jesus commands us to “love one another,” which requires humility (John 13:34-35)!– Loving one’s neighbor was not a new concept or commandment

(cf. Lev. 19:18).– Jesus’ command to “love one another” was “new” because:

• It has a greater breadth, width and scope (cf. Matt. 5:44).• It has the purest of motivations (cf. 1 John 3:16).• It has the greatest basis from which to measure (John 13:34, “as I have

loved”).• It has the farthest effect (John 13:35, “all will know”).

– The genuineness, humility and sacrificial nature of Jesus’ love must be our measure!

An Overview/Theme of John 13: “Love, Humility & Greatness”

• Jesus commands us to “love one another,” which requires humility (John 13:34-35)!– Agape love is the unconditional, unselfish love that seeks the

best for others.• The clearest Biblical definition of agape love can be found in Phil. 2:3-5.• This passage emphasizes the necessity of humility to be like the Lord!

– True Christian love is the true badge of discipleship (13:35).• Agape love is that which distinguishes the Christian from the world.• Agape love is the one quality that Satan cannot imitate or fabricate.

– “Love” is in the present tense, indicating continuous action.• We must keep on having love for one another. If we don’t, not genuine

disciples.

How Chapter 13 Helps to Fulfill the Overall Purpose of the Gospel of John

• “I Am” Statement: – “I am…Teacher and Lord” (13:13-14). – “Believe that I am” (13:19).

• Fulfillment of O.T. Prophecies: – He would be betrayed (John 13:18; cf. Psa. 41:9).

• Prophecies Jesus Made Himself: – Judas would betray (13:19, 21, 26); Peter deny (13:38).