Charles Spurgeon Commentary John 13:3-4

"[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 13:3-4 (ASV)

Jesus knowing that the Father 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 those words, "Jesus knowing,... he took a towel, and girded himself." If he had not known how great he was, there would not have been such condescension in his action. But he knew who he was, and what the Father had entrusted to him: The Father had given all things into his hands.

You might suppose that he would rise up, in a very dignified manner, and put on a purple robe and a golden girdle. But, instead of that, he rose from the supper table, laid aside his garments, and took a towel, and girded himself.

He knew that he had come forth from God and that he was going back to God, and he performed this action on the way home to his Father.

O dear brothers and sisters, if Christ so stooped, how humble we ought to be! No office should be counted too lowly, no work for his servants should seem to be too humiliating, since Jesus took a towel, and girded himself.