Albert Barnes Commentary John 13

The feast of the Passover. See commentary on Matthew 26:2 and Matthew 26:17.

His hour was come. This refers to the hour appointed in the purpose of God for him to die (John 12:27). Having loved his own. This means having given to them decisive and constant proofs of his love. This was done by his calling them to follow him, by patiently teaching them, by bearing with their errors and weaknesses, and by making them the heralds of his truth and the heirs of eternal life.

He loved them unto the end. That is, he continued the proofs of his love until he was taken away from them by death. Instances of that love John proceeds immediately to record in his washing their feet and in the institution of the Supper.

We may remark that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He does not change; he always loves the same traits of character, nor does he withdraw his love from the soul. If his people walk in darkness and wander from him, the fault is theirs, not his. His is the character of a friend that never leaves or forsakes us, a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Psalms 37:28 states: The Lord forsaketh not his saints. (Proverbs 18:24).

Supper being ended. This translation expresses too much. The original means while they were at supper; and that this is the meaning is clear from the fact that we find them still eating after this. The Arabic and Persian translations give it this meaning. The Latin Vulgate renders it like the English.

The devil. The leader or prince of evil spirits.

Having now put it into the heart. Literally, having cast it into the heart. Compare to Ephesians 6:16: The fiery darts of the wicked. See Acts 5:3; Luke 22:3. The meaning of this passage is that Satan inclined the mind of Judas to do this, or he tempted him to betray his Master.

We do not know precisely how this was done, but we know that it was by means of his avarice. Satan could tempt no one unless there was some inclination of the mind, some natural or depraved propensity that he could make use of.

He presents objects in alluring forms fitted to that propensity, and under the influence of a strong or a corrupt inclination, the soul yields to sin. In the case of Judas, it was the love of money; and it was necessary to present to him only the possibility of obtaining money, and it found him ready for any crime.

Jesus knowing, etc. With the full understanding of his dignity and elevation of character, he yet condescended to wash their feet. The evangelist introduces his washing their feet by saying that he was fully conscious of his elevation above them, as being entrusted with all things, and this made his humiliation the more striking and remarkable. Had he been a mere human teacher or a prophet, it would have been remarkable; but when we remember the dignity of his nature, it shows how low he would stoop to teach and save his people.

Had given all things, etc. (See Barnes on Matthew 28:18).

Was come from God. (See Barnes on John 8:42).

Went to God. Was about to return to heaven. .

He riseth from supper. Evidently while they were eating. See John 13:2.

Laid aside his garments. His outer garment. See Barnes "Matthew 5:40".

This was his mantle or robe, which is said to have been without seam. It was customary to lay this aside when they worked or ran, or in the heat of summer.

Took a towel and girded himself. This was the manner of a servant or slave. See Barnes "Luke 17:8".

Began to wash. It was uniformly the duty of a servant to wash the feet of guests, 1 Samuel 25:41. This became a matter of necessity where they travelled without shoes and reclined on couches at meals. It should be remembered here that the disciples were not sitting at the table, as we do, but were lying with their feet extended from the table, so that Jesus could easily have access to them. See the notes on Matthew 23:6.