What is the meaning of John 13:3? Jesus knew - The verse opens, “Jesus knew,” highlighting His perfect awareness. Throughout the Gospel we see the same omniscient theme (John 2:24-25; John 18:4). - This knowledge is not mere intuition; it flows from His divine nature—He “knew all men” and “what was in a man” (John 2:24-25). - Because He knows, He acts in complete, humble confidence, setting the stage for the foot-washing that follows (John 13:4-5). the Father had delivered all things into His hands - Scripture repeatedly affirms the Father’s full delegation of authority to the Son: • John 3:35—“The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in His hands.” • Matthew 11:27—“All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father.” • John 17:2—authority over all humanity, that He might give eternal life. - “All things” includes: • Power over creation (Colossians 1:16-17). • Power over judgment (John 5:22-23). • Power over salvation (Hebrews 5:9). - Knowing He holds everything, Jesus still chooses the servant’s towel. Divine authority expresses itself in sacrificial love. He had come from God - His origin is heavenly, not earthly: “In the beginning was the Word… and the Word became flesh” (John 1:1,14). - Jesus often reminds the disciples of this truth: • John 8:42—“I have not come on My own, but He sent Me.” • John 16:27—“I came from God.” - Because He came from God, His words and works carry absolute credibility (John 12:49-50). We can trust every promise, command, and warning He speaks. He was returning to God - The verse frames His mission: from God, back to God. John 16:28 summarizes it: “I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.” - The return involves: • The cross—His obedient path home (John 12:23-24). • The resurrection—vindication (Acts 2:24,32). • The ascension—exaltation at the Father’s right hand (Acts 1:9-11; Hebrews 12:2). - His certain return gives assurance that His atoning work is accepted, securing our future (Hebrews 6:19-20). summary John 13:3 sets a stunning backdrop for Jesus’ humble act of washing feet. Fully aware of His divine authority, heavenly origin, and imminent return, He chooses servanthood. The verse assures us that the One who serves is also the One who rules, the eternal Son entrusted with “all things.” Because He came from God and returned victorious, we can rest in His sovereign, saving hands and follow His example of humble love. |
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