v1-3: The time of Jesus' death was drawing near, see 12.7, 27, 33.35. The hour had come, but it was at this time that Judas' betrayal happened. Jesus maintained His love for the Twelve even in this time of trial; see 12.27, "my heart is troubled." Yet through it all His relationship with His Father was unchanged. Jesus knew what was about to happen, and He remained in control. He spoke what He did to strengthen His apostles in their trial, see v19.

Some Bible versions suggest that supper had ended. This seems incorrect. Better is that the Passover meal had begun, and the first cup of four had been shared.

The word used later where Jesus “poured” (GK: BALLO) the water into the bowl is here used of Satan ‘pouring’ into Judas’ heart to betray Jesus; the same word is used of pouring perfume in Matt 26.12. The word ‘prompted’ used in some versions is rather weak. Satan did more than hint that Judas should betray Jesus. Matthew Henry speaks of Satan laying the egg of betrayal in Judas’ heart. Later, we read, v27, that Satan entered into him.

v4-5: A picture of Christ laying aside His glory, becoming a man, even a servant; He humbled Himself, His decision, His choice. Everything was in His hands, all power and authority, yet He chose the way of service and humility.

During the Passover meal the head of the group would wash the hands of all present prior to sharing the meal; the Lord Jesus varied this practice by washing His disciples’ feet. His change of attire matched that of a slave.

From the African Study Bible: 'In our traditional cultures, chiefs were powerful men. Nothing but the love of Christ would make a chief humble enough to serve his servants.'

v6-9: Peter's debate with Christ; this was something else, the significance of which was not yet revealed. Peter and the others had to trust Him, that He was doing the right thing. Yet Peter’s words must not be considered irreverent.

v10: A reference to conversion, being completely clean. Once converted, we still need regular washing from the impurity of this world (1 John 1.7,9). Thus, the incident is not so much to do with cleansing from sins, but an act of consecration and commitment and submission to Christ.

Priests who had served at night in the temple had to bathe before the morning offering, but not thereafter.

v11: Yet even here was one who was not true, who would betray Him.

v12: Christ's work completed, His glory restored, and He sat down (Heb 1.3). He encouraged their understanding by question and explanation.

v13: Proper respect for the Lord Jesus; He commended their use of the titles Lord and Teacher.

v14-15: Christ's lesson, applying what He had done; the greatest of all leaders taught that humble and lowly service is an essential part of leadership. Following Christ means imitation. We need that regular washing; but we also need to cleanse and refresh others also (Philm 7, 20).

v16-17: They had grown in understanding, now they must put these things into practice. The Lord Jesus is clear in insisting that His followers actually follow Him. Whilst a literal washing of each other’s feet may not be what is meant, clearly we can only properly lead others when we serve them. The result is, as promised here, that there is great blessing; we will be truly happy. Serving Christ is the means of travel to true joy - there is truly joy in this journey..

v18: See also v10-11; Judas had been close to Jesus; in fellowship with true believers, but not himself a true believer.

The O.T. scriptures predicted Judas' character and deceit; this was no accident, although he was fully responsible for what he did.

Even the Lord Jesus endured the deep hurt of betrayal, by one who shared bread with Him, by one who kissed Him, Luke 22.47-48. To lift up the heel is an indication of violence against another; here it is emotional, rather than physical violence.

v19: The disciples were not to be surprised or discouraged by what was to happen.

v20: The witness, sent by Jesus; His ambassador; this is our privilege and responsibility.

v21-22: The clear statement that one of the Twelve was to betray Him; this disturbed the disciples.

v23-24: John and Simon Peter took the lead to find out who it was who would betray Jesus.

Those present reclined on couches. They did not sit on seats; Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous painting has misled us here. John was reclined on Jesus’ chest; each one traditionally reclined on their left side.   The table was set, with those partaking reclining around three sides, leaving the fourth side open.

v25-26: Apparently a private sign, rather than Jesus openly exposing Judas. This was why no one knew why Jesus told Judas to do it quickly, in v27-30.

The “piece of bread,” traditionally ‘the sop,’ consisted of bread, but also some of the lamb with bitter herbs.

v27: Judas was inspired by Satan; although predicted in the O.T., the betrayal was still an act of the enemy.

v28-30: Judas went out, leaving behind his friends, and the One who could have truly saved him. John tells us it was night, the time of sinful opportunity, see 9.4; 11.10; 12.36,46.

For Judas there was an inner night, for he walked in darkness. Although his feet had been washed, and he was present during part of the Passover meal, he was not fully clean. He also missed out on hearing the precious words of the Lord, from v31 to 17.26; such things were for sanctified ears only. The third cup, the cup of blessing (1 Cor 10.16) was the institution of the Lord's Supper. Judas did not witness this.

v31: When Judas had gone, the opportunity was there for Jesus to teach deep and precious truths. The Lord speaks of His being glorified, even through His death, and the circumstances of treachery, mockery, mistreatment and cruelty, and even through His friends’ leaving Him.

v32: The time had come for glory for Father and Son, 12.28; John takes his readers to the climax of crucifixion and resurrection.

v33: "My children," words of love and concern. The Lord was explaining what was shortly to happen, and preparing His disciples for the time ahead. There was much that only He could do; in giving His life for the world, in descending into death, and ascending into Heaven for us.

v34-35: The first proof of discipleship, love for each other.

First, this is a command, from the lips of the Son of God; we have no option but to obey.

"As I have loved you," such was and is the love that His disciples must show. Although this is primarily for each other, this is a testimony to the world, that “all men will know that you are my disciples.”

v36-38: Jesus allowed Peter's interruption;

• the first of several interruptions, see 14.5, 8, 22; 16.17;
• He answered Peter's question, as He did the later questions;
• He answered to give understanding.

This section leads to the disciples' declaration of understanding, see 16.29-30.

Previous dialogues with the Jews were of a different character, as they had little desire to believe in Him. Even when He spoke clearly of Himself, they rejected His words.

Peter realised the implication of Jesus' words, that He would die. In response, he made a promise of loyalty and devotion, but he was over-confident and rash, even proud. Sometimes our claims of ourselves carry mixed motives. Peter could not do what Jesus was to do; His purpose in dying was much more than a martyr. Although Peter had learned much, he had still not fully grasped the significance of Jesus' death.

Christ did not deny that Peter would lay down his life, see 21.18-19, where He actually prophesies this.

Jesus predicted Judas’ wickedness, and Peter’s weakness, although He did not direct or design them. He knows the hearts of man.