RSV ~ John 13 Notes

Jn 13:1-16 | ISB Notes

Begins the second half of the Gospel, called the “Book of Glory”, with four chapters devoted to the final instructions that Jesus gives to the apostles on the night he is betrayed.

Jn 13:1 | ISB Notes

feast of the Passover: The original meaning of this feast, celebrating the passing of the angel of death over the Israelites and their escape from Egypt (Ex 12:13), is being reshaped by the works and words of Christ, who will “pass over” to the Father through the upcoming events of his Passion, Resurrection, and Ascension. This saving work of Jesus will inaugurate a new Exodus, liberating the human family from sin, selfishness, and Satan (1:29; 8:34-36) (CCC 1340). See note on Jn 6:4.

to the end: i.e., “completely” or “to the fullest extent” (CCC 609).

Jn 13:2 | ISB Notes

during supper: The Synoptic Gospels specify that it was a Passover meal (Mt 26:19; Mk 14:16; Lk 22:15).

Jn 13:4 | ISB Notes

his garments: Symbolic of Christ’s human life. John’s carefully worded narrative makes this clear: the same Greek verbs that Jesus uses for laying down his life and taking it up again in 10:17-18 are here employed to describe how Christ “laid aside” his garments (13:4) in service and has “taken” them up again (13:12).

Jn 13:5 | ISB Notes

wash the disciples’ feet: A gesture of hospitality normally performed by a household slave, not the presiding host. Jesus thus shows himself a model of humility (1 Tim 5:10) and, at the same time, gives a preview of the heroic service he will render when he accepts the humiliation of the Cross (Mk 10:45; Phil 2:5-8).

• The foot washing may be a sign of priestly ordination as in the OT (Ex 40:12, 30-32). Against this background, Jesus washing Peter and the disciples parallels the scene of Moses washing Aaron and his sons on the day of their consecration to the priesthood (Lev 8:6). Likewise, the apostles’ receiving a “part” (Gk., meros) in Jesus (Jn 13:8) recalls how the Levites had their “portion” (Gk., meris) in the Lord God alone (Num 18:20 and Deut 10:9 in the LXX). On the institution of Holy Orders in the upper room, See note on Lk 22:19.

Jn 13:8 | ISB Notes

no part in me: Peter cannot be a disciple of Christ on his own terms but must submit himself to the divine plan already determined by the Lord.

Jn 13:10 | ISB Notes

He who has bathed: Seems to imply that the QfcJ apostles have already been baptized, although this is not explicitly stated in the Gospels.

• Jesus’ words hint at the distinction between Baptism, which washes away every stain of sin committed (actual) and contracted (Original), and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which cleanses us of the accumulated dust of sins committed after our baptismal washing (20:23; 1 Jn 1:9; CCC 1446).

Jn 13:15 | ISB Notes

an example: Jesus says with words what was already expressed in his deeds: we must pattern our lives after Jesus, whose actions show us how to love and honor our heavenly Father (Mt 11:29; CCC 520). Included in this is the willingness to serve others even to the point of death (15:13).

Jn 13:16 | ISB Notes

a servant is not greater: Similar statements occur in Mt 10:24 and Lk 22:27.

Jn 13:18 | ISB Notes

He who ate my bread: A quotation from Ps 41:9.

• The Psalmist laments the treachery of his enemies but even more that of his trusted companion, who ate at his table as a friend only to betray him as a foe. As the psalm progresses, however, the turmoil of the Psalmist gives way to the confidence that Yahweh will vindicate him in due time (Ps 41:11-12).

Jn 13:19 | ISB Notes

believe that I am: The foreknowledge of Jesus is further evidence that he is God from true God, the true “I am”. See note on Jn 6:20.

Jn 13:22 | ISB Notes

uncertain of whom: Judas successfully camouflages his malice from the other disciples.

Jn 13:23 | ISB Notes

whom Jesus loved: i.e., the Apostle John.

See introduction: Author.

lying close: Festal meals were eaten, not in a sitting position, but in a reclining position on cushions spread around a short table. .

Jn 13:27 | ISB Notes

after the morsel, Satan: Although Judas is sharing a meal with Jesus, he is feeding on the lies of the devil (8:44). The darkness that fills him draws him out into the “night” (13:30).

Jn 13:31 | ISB Notes

God is glorified: It is precisely when Christ accepts his suffering at the hands of evil men that he shows us the dimensions of God’s love for the world (Rom 5:8; Jn 3:16).

Jn 13:34 | ISB Notes

new commandment: The Torah commanded human love for ourselves and our neighbor (Lev 19:18). Jesus commands divine love for one another that is modeled on his own acts of charity and generosity (15:13; 1 Jn 3:16-18). This supernatural love comes not from us but from the Spirit (Rom 5:5; CCC 1822-29). See note on 1 Cor 13:4-7.

Jn 13:37 | ISB Notes

lay down my life: Peter is probably sincere but certainly overconfident. Soon his bravery will be crushed under the weight of human fear (18:25-27).