Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 13:19

"From henceforth I tell you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am [he]." — John 13:19 (ASV)

Jesus was not merely asking for personal loyalty but for belief that he was the One sent by God (cf. 8:24, 28, 58). He wanted the disciples to commit themselves to his claims before other events would seemingly invalidate them and before the Resurrection would confirm them (cf. 2:22). He went on to say that accepting the messenger whom he sent was equivalent to receiving him and that receiving him involved also receiving God. The language implies a close connection between the disciple and the master and an equally close connection between Jesus and God.