As the New Covenant was inaugurated with the passing of the bread and the wine, Jesus broke what was perhaps the moment of contemplative silence with the words: “… the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table” (Luke 22:21). This time instead of saying to Jesus, “Is it I,” the apostles’ inquiries were directed toward one another. “Who could this be? Is it you, James or you John? The two of you are impulsive and have moments of terrible anger, wanting to call fire down from heaven to destroy people. Is it one of you? Perhaps is it you, Matthew. You were a tax collector, whose business was full of deceit. Deception would be easy for you. Is it you” (cf. Luke 22:23)?
Then, as a matter of defense, the apostles began to strive among themselves, making out how much stronger and greater or more loyal or more righteous each one was more than the others (Luke 22:24). Nonetheless, Jesus loved them, as he does you and me (John 13:1). The supper had been finished (John 13:2), and Jesus knew all things were in his hands (John 13:3). He stopped the strife among the Apostles without saying a word,. He simply got up, and, removing his outer garment and after girding himself with a towel, he began to wash their feet (John 13:4-5).
Suddenly, all the boasting and put-downs ceased, and, as Jesus went from one disciple to the other, he reminded them of what he had told them before, when they strove among themselves. In the world people lord it over one another (Luke 22:24-27), but he, whom we call Master and Lord (John 13:13), was among us as one who serves (Luke 22:27). Therefore, I ought to wash my brother’s feet, i.e. his walk with Christ (John 13:14). I should think the best about him (1Corinthians 13:7) and not be so quick to look upon his shortcomings (1Corinthians 13:5), because no one is perfect.
After Jesus spoke these things to the disciples, he became deeply troubled and said a third time, that one of the chosen would betray him (John 13:21). This time the disciples made no accusations toward one another, nor did they dare boast of themselves above the other. Rather they were perplexed and simply wondered who it might be (John 13:22). However, Peter beckoned to the disciple who leaned upon the Lord’s breast to ask Jesus who it was (John 13:22-25). Jesus showed him that it was Judas.
Then Jesus sent Judas out to do his work under the cover of darkness (John 13:26-30). With Judas gone, Jesus began to speak of his own departure (John 13:33). Oddly, no one understood that he spoke of his death. It was Peter who asked Jesus where he was going, but Jesus told him that he couldn’t come with him at that time, but later he would follow him (John 13:36). Immediately, Peter began to boast that he would lay his life down for Christ’s sake. Why was he not permitted to come with him? Jesus replied with a question and a statement, “Will you lay down your life for My sake?” This is the boast of the flesh, of life lived in Adam. Peter was completely unaware of how weak man really is. Jesus then told Peter that before the day would dawn, he would deny Christ three times (John 13:38). Peter was shocked and speechless with Jesus’ reply.
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