요한복음 Chapter 13

Translation: ESV

1

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

Key Message

Jesus' love was unshaken even in the face of death, and on the cross that love was completely fulfilled.

▸This is the magnificent introduction that begins the farewell discourse of chapters 13–17.

This is the magnificent introduction that begins the farewell discourse of chapters 13–17. Jesus knew 'his hour.' Despite this complete knowledge, his choice was 'to love to the end.' 'To the end (εἰς τέλος, eis telos)' means 'to the utmost, completely.' On the cross, 'it is finished (τετέλεσται, tetelestai)' shares the same root. The cross is the completion of love.

Related Verses

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers.
4

Rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist.

Key Message

Jesus laying aside his outer garments and tying on a towel is a symbol of the Son of God humbling himself to become a servant.

▸Jesus dresses as a servant.

8

Peter said to him, 'You shall never wash my feet.' Jesus answered him, 'If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.'

Key Message

Humbly receiving Jesus' service is the precondition for a relationship with him; refusing grace severs the relationship.

▸Peter's refusal and Jesus' solemn answer create tension in the dialogue.

14

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.

Key Message

Jesus' foot washing teaches that mutual service is the way of life for the disciple community.

▸Jesus clearly presents the ethical implication of the foot washing.

34

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

Key Message

The newness of the new commandment is not love itself but that Jesus' cross love becomes the standard; this love is the identity of the disciple community.

▸This is a 'new commandment (ἐντολὴν καινήν, entolēn kainēn).

37

Peter said to him, 'Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.'

Key Message

Even strong zeal and pledges can lead to failure when one does not know one's own weakness; true strength comes from the humility of acknowledging one's limitations.

▸This is Peter's fervent pledge.