John 13

A Lesson in Humility, vv. 1-5

A. Verse 4 pictures what Jesus did when He left heaven to come to earth.

B. Verse 12 pictures His resurrection, ascension, and enthronement in heaven.

A Lesson in Holiness, vv. 6-17

A. Verse 10: “He that has been once-for-all washed all over does not need to do anything more than cleanse his feet.”

1. In the first century, people used public baths to bathe. As they walked home in dusty streets, their feet became dirty. They didn’t need another bath; they only needed to wash their feet.
2. When Jewish priests were ordained, they were washed all over (Exodus 29:4), picturing a once-for-all cleansing. God provided the laver (Exodus 30:17-21) for them to daily wash their hands and feet.

B. When we are saved, we are washed all over (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Titus 3:5-6); when we confess our daily sins to the Lord, we have washed our feet, and our walk is cleansed (1 John 1:7-9).

1. 1. This is the difference between union and communion with Christ.
   2. We are in union with Christ when we are saved.
   3. But sin can break our communion/fellowship with Christ.
   4. Only when we allow Christ to cleanse us can we remain in fellowship with Christ.

A Lesson in Hypocrisy, vv. 18-38

A. Judas was in the Upper Room, pretending to be Christ’s.

B. Christ washed Judas’ feet and Judas lifted his heel against Christ (see Psalm 41:9).

C. Judas left the room and betrayed Christ.

D. Jesus warned Peter about his own testing and failures.