Charles Spurgeon Commentary John 13:2-4

"And during supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon`s [son], to betray him, [Jesus], knowing that the Father had given all the things into his hands, and that he came forth from God, and goeth unto God, riseth from supper, and layeth aside his garments; and he took a towel, and girded himself." — John 13:2-4 (ASV)

And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

Notice the wonderful contrast revealed to us in these verses. Our Lord Jesus Christ had a very vivid realization that he had come from God, and was going back to God, and that all things had been given into his hand. Yet, while he knew that, and had a more than ordinary consciousness of his own dignified nature and position, he condescended to wash his disciples' feet.

Though many years elapsed between the event and the time when John recorded it, all the details seem to have been still present in his memory, so that he distinctly mentions each separate act: he riseth from supper, and layeth aside his upper garment, and taketh a towel, and girdeth himself.