John 13:3-15

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - John 13:1-17

It has generally been taken for granted by commentators that Christ's washing his disciples? feet, and the discourse that followed it, were the same night in which he was betrayed, and at the same sitting wherein he ate the passover and instituted the Lord's supper; but whether before the solemnity began, or after it was all over, or between the eating of the passover and the institution of the Lord's supper, they are not agreed. This evangelist, making it his business to gather up those... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - John 13:1-17

13:1-17 Before the Festival of the Passover, Jesus, in the knowledge that his hour had come to leave this world and to go to the Father, although he had always loved his own people in the world, decided to show them what his love was like in a way which went to the ultimate limit. The meal was in progress; and the devil had already put it into his heart that Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, should betray him. Well knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - John 13:1-17

There is more in the background of this passage than even John tells us. If we turn to Luke's account of the last meal together, we find the tragic sentence: "A dispute also arose among them, which of them was to be regarded as greatest" ( Luke 22:24 ). Even within sight of the Cross, the disciples were still arguing about matters of precedence and prestige. It may well be that this very argument produced the situation which made Jesus act as he did. The roads of Palestine were unsurfaced... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - John 13:1-17

We have already seen that in John we have always to be looking for two meanings, the meaning which lies on the surface and the meaning which is beneath the surface. In this story there is undoubtedly a second meaning. On the surface it is a dramatic and unforgettable lesson in humility. But there is more to it than that. There is one very difficult passage. At first Peter refuses to allow Jesus to wash his feet. Jesus tells him that unless he accepts this washing, he will have no part with... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 13:3

Jesus knowing that the Father ,.... These words express the sense Christ had of his own greatness and dignity as Mediator: had given all things into his hands ; all the persons of the elect, all blessings both of grace and glory for them, and power and authority over all other persons and things, to make them subservient to his purposes: and that he was come from God ; had his mission and commission, as man, from God; did not come of himself, but he sent him: and went to God ; or... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 13:4

He riseth from supper ,.... In the midst of the entertainment, and which no doubt was considerable, his mind being intent on something else; and it being his meat and drink to do his Father's will, he rises and leaves his disciples sitting to finish their meal; and whilst they were murmuring at the waste of the ointment poured on his head, and were filled with indignation at it, as they all of them were, see Matthew 26:8 ; he rises up to wash their feet; amazing patience and humility! ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 13:5

After that be poureth water into a bason ,.... This also was a servile work, and what properly belonged to servants to do; see John 2:5 . The bason to wash the feet in, called by the Jews רגלים עריבת , was fixed by their doctors to hold, "from two logs to nine kabs" F20 Misn. Yadaim, c. 4. sect. 1. Vid. Misn. Celim, c. 20. sect. 2. ; not "from two logs to ten", as Dr. Lightfoot has rendered the passage referred to. A "kab" held about a quart of our measure, and a "log" was the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 13:6

Then cometh he to Simon Peter ,.... After having washed the feet of some of the disciples, as is thought by some interpreters, and particularly the feet of Judas, without any repulse; though others are of opinion that he began with Peter, who modestly, and out of reverence to him, refuses to be washed by him: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet ! he speaks as one surprised and astonished that Christ should offer to do any such thing to him; that he, who was the Son of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 13:7

Jesus answered and said unto him ,.... Christ replies, what I do, thou knowest not now : Peter knew that he was about to wash his feet, and the rest of his disciples, but he did not know the meaning and mystery of it, what Christ designed by it, and what instruction they were to receive from it, but thou shalt know hereafter ; as he did, when he had performed this service, and explained it to him. This may teach us, under dark providences, the meaning of which is not yet known by us,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 13:8

Peter saith unto him, thou shall never wash my feet ,.... Before he had behaved with modesty, but now with obstinacy and perverseness; and though these expressions might arise from great reverence to Christ, yet they were wrong and rashly spoken. Peter ought to have been satisfied with Christ's reply, and have submitted, since though he then did not know the reason of such surprising conduct, he should hereafter. In order therefore to bring him to a compliance, Jesus answered him, if I... read more

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