John 13

His hour at Passover

Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. John 13:1

Jesus knows His hour has come at the Passover season — the Lamb of God is about to be offered. He loves His disciples all the way to the end.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• interpreted by 1 Corinthians 5:7 — "Christ our passover is sacrificed for us."

Come from God, going to God

Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; John 13:3

Jesus lived with God before His birth and would return to Him. Knowing His divine power, He chooses to kneel and serve.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to John 3:35 — "The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand."

Cleansing through Christ — washing of feet

He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. John 13:4–10

The Lord lays aside His garments and washes feet like a servant. Only those He cleanses have part with Him — a picture of His Atonement making us clean.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alluded to by D&C 88:139-141 — The restored ordinance of the washing of feet.

Lord and Master

Master — Teacher; Lord — the One with rightful authority

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. John 13:13–17

Jesus accepts the titles Lord and Master, then shows that the greatest Lord serves. His life is the pattern for ours.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alluded to by 3 Nephi 18:16 — "I have set an example for you."

The betrayed King

I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. John 13:18

Jesus applies a psalm of David, betrayed by his trusted friend, to Himself and Judas. What happened to David foreshadowed the betrayal of the Son of David.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quotes Psalm 41:9 — "Mine own familiar friend... hath lifted up his heel against me."
• the same event in Matthew 26:23 — "He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me."

I AM ("I am he")

I AM — the divine name of Jehovah (Exodus 3:14); "I am he" renders the Greek ego eimi

Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he. John 13:19

Jesus foretells events so that, when they happen, the disciples will believe He is the "I AM" — the same Jehovah who said in Isaiah, "that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he."

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Isaiah 43:10 — "That ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he."
• alludes to Exodus 3:14 — "I AM THAT I AM."
• the same title in John 8:58 — "Before Abraham was, I am."

The Son sent by the Father

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. John 13:20

Receiving the Lord's servants is receiving Him, and receiving Him is receiving the Father.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alluded to by D&C 84:36-37 — "He that receiveth my servants receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth my Father."

Jesus foretells His betrayal

When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. John 13:21–27

Troubled in spirit, Jesus plainly foretells His betrayal and identifies Judas. Nothing takes Him by surprise; He goes to His death knowingly.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• a parallel account in Matthew 26:21 — "One of you shall betray me."

Son of Man glorified

Son of Man — Son of Man of Holiness

Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. John 13:31–32

As soon as Judas leaves to set the betrayal in motion, Jesus says His glorification has begun. His Atonement glorifies both the Father and the Son.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in John 12:23 — "The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified."

Going where they cannot yet come

Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. John 13:33

Jesus tenderly tells His disciples He will soon leave them, through death and return to the Father.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• quotes John 7:33-34 — "Where I am, thither ye cannot come."

Love as I have loved you

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. John 13:34–35

The new part of the commandment is the measure: love others the way Jesus loves us. That love marks His true disciples.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quoted by John 15:12 — "That ye love one another, as I have loved you."
• alluded to by Moroni 7:47 — Charity is the pure love of Christ.

Jesus foretells Peter's path

Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards. John 13:36–38

Jesus knows Peter will deny Him that night — and also that Peter will later follow Him, even to martyrdom.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• fulfilled by John 18:25-27 — Peter's denials and the cock crowing.
• fulfilled by John 21:18-19 — Peter's death foretold; "Follow me."
• a parallel account in Matthew 26:34 — The same prophecy of three denials.