Gene’s Daily Scriptural Postings

Washing the Feet of a Betrayer: John 13:1-17

Focus Passage: John 13:1-17 (NIV)

While finishing washing Peter’s feet on the night He was betrayed and arrested, Jesus finishes His discussion with Peter about washing feet by saying something profound. John’s gospel shares this conversation with us and he tells us Jesus finishes verse 10 by saying, “And you are clean, though not every one of you.” John then continues by giving us a side-note to draw our attention onto the significance of this statement: “For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.” (v. 11)

In case you had a question in your mind about whether Judas Iscariot, the betrayer, was present during the foot washing, this should help give you an answer. Part of me wonders if Jesus’ eyes finished scanning the disciples and came to rest on Judas Iscariot, in a subtle way telling Judas Iscariot that Jesus knew it was him. John tells us that Jesus knew Judas Iscariot would be the betrayer, which leads us to a powerful question: If Jesus knew Judas Iscariot would betray Him, then why even select Him to be a disciple?

While this question is significant, it is also significant to recognize that Jesus washed Judas Iscariot’s feet, but even with “clean” feet, Judas Iscariot had not let Jesus clean his heart or his attitude. While Peter had offered to let Jesus clean every part of his life, Judas Iscariot held part of his life back and tried to keep it hidden from Jesus. If Jesus had the conversation He had with Peter with Judas Iscariot instead, perhaps Jesus would have been able to reach the area of Judas Iscariot’s life before it was too late.

This truth teaches us that even if we let Jesus wash part of our lives, we must be invite Him to wash every part of our life that needs to be cleaned. Jesus’ statement at the end of his conversation with Peter hints at the reality: Judas Iscariot teaches us that even though we have let Jesus clean a part of our lives, if we are holding something back from Him, Satan is eager to use what we are holding on to in a way that derails Jesus’ ideal for our lives.

This thought was inspired by studying the Walking With Jesus “Reflective Bible Study” package. To discover insights like this in your own study time, click here and give Reflective Bible Study a try today!

Read this article on the web on it's official page: Washing the Feet of a Betrayer: John 13:1-17