Gospel Outreach International

What does it truly mean to serve others in the Christian faith? This Bible study on John Chapter 13 explores the profound demonstration of servanthood when Jesus washed His disciples’ feet during the Last Supper. Through this intimate moment in the Upper Room, we discover timeless principles about knowledge, humility, love, and obedience that challenge believers to examine their own walk with Christ and their relationships within the church community.

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, John 13:3

• Real/True Knowledge: Jesus knew His hour had come, understood His mission from God, and was aware of Judas’s betrayal before it happened
• Real Humility: Jesus took the position of the lowest slave by washing the disciples’ feet, demonstrating that no task is beneath a servant of God
• Real Understanding: Jesus set an example for His disciples to follow, though He is not merely an example but our Savior, Teacher, and Son of God
• Real Confession: Jesus openly acknowledged that one disciple would betray Him, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy
• Real Grasp: Jesus fully understood the situation with Judas and saw His upcoming crucifixion as glorification
• Real/True Practice: The new commandment to love one another is not optional but essential for Christian life and church fellowship
• Real Problem: The mystery of what comes after death remains, though believers are assured of glory and continued service

Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. John 13:5

This study of John 13 really brings home how amazing Jesus is, doesn’t it? The whole passage shows us that even knowing what was about to happen—the betrayal, the torture, the crucifixion—Jesus still called it glorification. That’s incredible! He saw past the suffering to what it would accomplish for us. And through it all, He kept showing grace to Judas right up to the end, giving him chances to turn back. The study reminds us that Jesus is our Savior first and foremost, our Paschal Lamb who was slain on our behalf. He’s not just a good example to follow or a wise teacher—He’s the Son of God who loved us enough to take the lowest position as a servant and then die for our sins. That kind of love should transform how we treat each other in the church. Pretty challenging stuff when you think about it!

Bible References

• John 13:
• John 13:1-4
• John 13:5-12
• John 13:13-20
• John 13:21-28
• John 13:29-31
• John 13:32-35
• Psalm 41:9
• 1 Corinthians 13