Read: John 13
Chapter
thirteen begins a new section of the Gospel of John. Jesus earthly ministry is ending and He is
giving His final teaching to the twelve disciples before His crucifixion. The timing of it being the Passover is
momentous; Jesus knew that the time of His death had arrived (v. 1), and He
lovingly prepares His disciples. He
began by washing His disciples’ feet (v. 4-5) in order to show them the full
extent of His love (v. 1). Peter
objected to having His feet washed by Jesus (v. 8), he didn’t understand
sacrificial love. This shows pride and
selfishness that is at the very heart of sin, as Peter is working from a
worldly view. His desire to have his
hands and head washed again shows his religious enthusiasm yet with a strong
element of self. The true measure of a
Christian is to be as humble as his/her Lord!
Christians are to serve one another.
During the meal Jesus announces that He would be betrayed by one of the
disciples. The chapter ends with Jesus
prediction that Peter would deny Him three times before the night was over (v.
38). This denial will be pivotal in
Peter’s maturity as he finally comes to grip with his pride and selfishness
which clears the way for him to be restored into humility and genuine
fellowship with Christ (see John 21:15-19).
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. Jesus washing the disciples feet was more than an
act of service, it was an act of love. It
is extremely important to realize that Jesus washed the feet of the one who
betrayed Him. This is what God is like,
He loves His enemies. Ask the Lord to
show you a person in your life who is tough to love. Then ask God to show you how you can pray for
this person and to show you something kind that you can do for him/her.
2. Read Psalm 41:9, and then read John 13:18. Jesus was not betrayed by a stranger but by a
close friend, a trusted friend. Have you
ever been stabbed in the back by a close friend? Ask the Lord to show you what your feelings
are towards this person and whether or not you have forgiven this person. Ask Him to show you any areas of your heart
that are still wounded by this person and what He is asking you to do about
it.
3. Peter thought he loved Jesus enough to lay down
his life for Him but the fact was that Peter’s love was selfish and
immature. Ask the Lord to show you areas
where your love for Him is selfish and immature. Confess these things and then pray that He
will fill you with real, genuine, life-sacrificing love for Him.
