Monday | Week 11

John 13 begins with the narrator sharing that the Passover was near. In the Book of John, Jesus’ death is intricately connected to the Passover and Exodus events (see Exodus 12–14). Jesus knows that his “hour”—the time for his betrayal, death, and resurrection—had come. This is the setting for the last meal that Jesus would share with his disciples.

The narrative indicates that Judas had already been led by the devil to betray Jesus, and that Jesus knows this. He also knows that his disciples will soon deny him and flee from him. Yet, knowing this, he proceeds. He kneels down and washes their feet. As he comes to Simon Peter, Peter objects: “Lord, are you going to wash my feet? You’ll never wash my feet!” (vv.7–8). Jesus responds, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me” (v.8). Peter then changes his mind: “Not just my feet, but my hands and my head as well!” (v.9)

After Jesus washes them, he teaches them about what he has done. He says that since he, as their teacher, has washed their feet, they should wash the feet of one another (vv.13–14). He says that no servant is greater than the master, and if their master is willing to wash feet, then they should be willing to wash feet.

The episode ends with emphasis on Judas’ betrayal. Jesus expresses to the disciples that one of them will betray him. He knows this. Yet he still invites Judas to share at his table. 

Discussion Questions

  1. What insight do you gain by looking at the Passover and Exodus (Exodus 12–14) as you consider Jesus’ own death?

  2. What do you learn about God when Jesus washes his disciples’ feet?

  3. Why do you think Jesus still invites Judas to the dinner table—knowing that he will betray him?

  4. When, in your life, have you found yourself to be Peter? 

  5. What most challenges you as you see the portrait of God revealed in Jesus’ actions?