MPV Commentary

At the Last Supper Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet--The Discourse Arising Thereupon.

1. When Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and return to the Father, he showed love for those who were in the world by loving them until the end. This means that even as he faced his own impending sufferings, he was still deeply concerned about his followers who would be left behind.

2. After supper was prepared, Jesus knew that Judas had already agreed with the chief priests to betray him (Luke 22:3-6). The devil had put it into Judas's heart to do this.

3. Jesus understood that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he would return to the Father. This profound understanding of his relationship with God filled his soul.

4, 5. He rose from supper, laid aside his outer garments, took a towel, and girded himself like a servant. Then he began to wash the disciples' feet, including those of Judas.

6-11. Peter was astonished by Jesus's actions and asked, "Lord, do you wash my feet?" His question conveyed profound astonishment at Jesus's condescension. Although Peter's heart rebelled against this act as something not to be tolerated, Jesus did not rebuke him yet but told him to wait a little.

7. Jesus replied, "What I am doing you don't understand now, but you will later." This statement implies that the depth of Jesus's actions would become clear in time.

8. Peter responded, "You will never wash my feet," indicating his inability to submit to this act as an incongruity. However, Jesus explained that if he didn't wash them, they wouldn't have a part with him.

9. Peter then said, "Lord, not just my feet but also my hands and head." This statement expressed his deep attachment to Jesus and dependence on him for spiritual well-being. It's similar to the saying in John 6:68-69.

10. Jesus explained that those who are thoroughly cleansed don't need further cleansing except to wash their feet, which is a daily necessity. He emphasized that they were already clean in the first and whole sense but not all of them had experienced this cleansing.

11. Jesus asked his disciples if they understood what he had done, referring to the intent behind his actions. This question was meant to draw their attention to his answer.

12-15. Jesus told his disciples that they called him Teacher and Lord, which was correct because he was both. He then instructed them to wash one another's feet as a symbol of humble service.

16, 17. Jesus reminded them that the servant is not greater than his lord, and if they knew this, they would be happy if they did it. However, even among real Christians, doing these things often falls short of knowing them.

18-19. Jesus said he wasn't speaking to all of them but specifically to those he had chosen. He knew that one of them was not his choice but had been added to their number to fulfill a predicted destiny. This person had betrayed him by lifting up his heel against him, as described in Psalm 41:9.

19. Jesus told them before it happened so they would believe when it occurred. The betrayal would serve as confirmation of his words.

20. He who receives those whom I send receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me (Matthew 10:40). This statement emphasizes the divine nature of their office despite the dishonor done to Jesus by Judas and similar treatment awaiting themselves.