ACC ~ John 13 v11

THE FILTHY BECOME FILTHIER

ORIGEN: The eleven who had bathed and were clean became even cleaner when they had their feet washed by Jesus. But Judas who was already unclean, for it says, “He who is filthy, let him be filthy still,” [1] became filthier and unclean when Satan entered him after the morsel. [2] COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 32.110. [3]

[1] Rev 22:11.

[2] See Jn 13:27.

[3] FC 89:363*; SC 385:234.

JESUS WASHES THE FEET OF HIS BETRAYER

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: Jesus clearly knew that Judas felt no kindness or wise consideration for his master. He also knew that Judas was full of devilishly bitter poison, and even while [his feet were being washed by Jesus] he was devising the means to betray him. Nevertheless, Jesus honored him just as much as the rest of the disciples and washed his feet as well, continually exhibiting his own unique love. Jesus did not express his anger, in fact, until he had tried every kind of objection. Note how this special quality is distinctive of the divine nature. Although God knows what is about to happen, he brings his punishment prematurely on no one. Rather, after bearing with the guilty for as long as is possible or necessary, when he sees them in no way profiting from the delay but instead remaining in their self-chosen evil ways, then he finally punishes them, showing it to be actually the result of their perverse folly and not really an effect of his own counsel or will. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 9. [1]

[1] ESUS IS INFORMED THAT LAZARUS IS SICK | JOHN 11:1-5

THE NAILS OF JUDAS’S GRATITUDE

EPHREM THE SYRIAN: In his gentleness our Lord humbled his wise hands by washing the feet of his betrayer, who expressed his gratitude for the cleansing with the nails of the cross. COMMENTARY ON TATIAN’S DIATESSARON 18.22. [1]

[1] ECTD 282.