John 13:2-5 — Two Different Hearts Artwork

Scripture in Action

Aneel Aranha is an author, preacher, and evangelist who has spoken to hundreds of thousands of people around the world. You can find a huge selection of his reflections, articles, sermons, songs and other resources on his app.

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Scripture in Action

John 13:2-5 — Two Different Hearts

February 04, 2024 • Aneel Aranha • Season 2 • Episode 119

0:00 | 3:15

Unveil the depths of Jesus' humility in John 13, a guiding light for humility and servant leadership in faith.

John 13:2-5 — Two Different Hearts — Aneel Aranha

Hello and welcome to the Bite-Sized Gospel. Today we will reflect on John 13:2-5. Listen.

The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

This is part of a longer narrative of The Last Supper but because there is so much to be learned from it, I am splitting it into smaller portions. Please read the whole narrative to get proper context.

As this scene unfolds, we see the contrast between two very different hearts: Judas, who was about to betray Jesus for a few pieces of silver, and Jesus, who was about lay his life down for the world.

John says Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; SO he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. Why the word “so”, which implies one thing led to another?

The first part of the sentence establishes Jesus' awareness of his divine authority and his role in the divine plan. He is fully aware of his power and his origin and destiny with the Father.

Then, the word "so" serves as a bridge to the subsequent action, which is taking off his outer garments and wrapping a towel around his waist in preparation for an incredible act of servitude.

This transition indicates that Jesus' understanding of his divine status and mission directly *influenced* his decision to perform a humble act of service – washing his disciples' feet. It suggests that his self-awareness of divine authority was not for self-aggrandizement but rather for selfless service.

Jesus' actions here are an amazing demonstration of selfless love and humility. A sinless God stoops to wash the feet of sinful men. The image should shake us to the depths of our being. May we learn to serve others with humility, following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. May we remember that in God’s kingdom, the greatest are those who serve.

God bless you.