What is the meaning of John 13:10? Whoever has already bathed “Whoever has already bathed…” (John 13:10) • Jesus is talking to men who are already His followers. Their “bath” points to the once-for-all cleansing that happens at conversion. • Scripture describes this initial washing: “…He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). • Paul echoes the same reality: “But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 6:11). • Jesus had told these same disciples, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you” (John 15:3). needs only to wash his feet “…needs only to wash his feet…” (John 13:10) • In everyday life their bodies were clean, but dusty streets still soiled their feet. Likewise, believers are justified yet still pick up the grime of sin in a fallen world. • Daily foot-washing pictures ongoing confession and repentance: – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). – “Draw near to God… Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts” (James 4:8). • The Lord’s gentle insistence (v. 8) shows that fellowship with Him requires this regular cleansing, not another full bath. and he will be completely clean “…and he will be completely clean.” (John 13:10) • Once someone belongs to Christ, his standing before God is settled. The finished bath plus ongoing foot-washing leave nothing uncovered. • Assurance flows from passages such as: – “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). – “By one sacrifice He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14). • Practical holiness grows out of settled acceptance, not lingering doubt (2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 5:26-27). And you are clean “And you are clean…” (John 13:10) • Jesus affirms the genuine faith of the eleven. He speaks tenderly, reinforcing their identity. • Similar reassurance appears later that night: “I chose you out of the world” (John 15:19) and in His prayer, “…they have kept Your word” (John 17:6). • Knowing they were clean would steady them for the trials of Gethsemane and beyond. though not all of you “…though not all of you.” (John 13:10) • Judas shared the meal, the sandals, even the foot-washing—yet remained unwashed within. • Jesus had warned earlier, “One of you is a devil” (John 6:70-71). • The exclusion underscores a sobering truth: outward association with Christ and His people does not equal inward cleansing. Acts 1:18-20 records the tragic outcome. summary John 13:10 balances two complementary truths. A believer receives a once-for-all bath at salvation, leaving him positionally clean forever. Yet life’s daily dust calls for repeated “foot-washing” through confession and surrender, keeping fellowship fresh. Jesus’ words comfort the true disciple with assurance while warning the pretender that no ritual can substitute for genuine faith. |
    |