Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 13:18

"I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled: He that eateth my bread lifted up his heel against me." — John 13:18 (ASV)

Jesus’ reason for washing the disciples’ feet was not solely good manners and sanitation. The imminence of the betrayal was pressing in on him, and the resultant anguish was tearing at his heart. He knew that the disciples would fail at the crucial moment, but he despaired of none except Judas. The psalm Jesus quoted is attributed to David, who was lamenting the defection of a trusted confidant (Psalms 41:9). This likely refers to Ahithophel, who had been David’s counselor and diplomatic advisor but deserted him in Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 15:12; 2 Samuel 16:15–23; 17:4, 14, 23). Again this is an example of prophecy by parallelism.