Jesus Knows

For most of my life I have waited until after Thanksgiving to start to listen to Christmas music. But since last year I have broken my unwritten rule. Once November hits, I am ready and willing to hear the music of the season, whether silly, secular, or sacred. Of course, I prefer the songs that point to Jesus’ birth being the reason that we celebrate. One secular song that has been popular for years is “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” The earliest recorded version of the tune was written by a banjo player in 1934. Since then, millions of kids have been led to believe that Santa sees them when they are sleeping and knows when they are awake. More importantly, he supposedly knows if they have been bad or good. So, they try to be good for goodness’ sake. And ultimately, they try to watch out so they might be in the jolly guy’s good favor so they may receive more gifts. Of course, Santa does not know. The child’s parent knows a lot, but not everything. As we look at John 13, we recognize that Jesus knows everything. There were some things he was very acutely aware of as he shared the last supper with his disciples.

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end (John 13:1). Just as he has previously known that his time had not yet come, he now knew his time had come to sacrifice himself on the cross for our sins. After over four years in hospice care, it is apparent that some people realize they are close to death. Most people never know. The ones who love Jesus and know they are near heaven certainly pass peacefully. Those folks die of natural causes. Jesus knew that he was going to be tortured and crucified. For the joy set before him, he would endure the cross.

Jesus proceeded because he was motivated by love. John MacArthur states, “God loves the world and sinners with compassion and common grace, but loves his own with perfect, saving, eternal love.” He would soon show them the full extent of his love, but first he would initiate a sacred symbolism so the disciples through the ages would remember his death.

Jesus also knew God gave him full control and that he would carry out his plan. 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 (30). Knowing this must have given Jesus peace as he entered his final days on earth. He came from God on a mission. Though he must leave his disciples, it was a good trade because he would be returning to God. First, he knew a cross was waiting for him.

Jesus did something unusual at a unique point of the meal. Wrapping a towel around his waist and pouring water into a basin preceded our Lord washing the feet of his disciples. Jesus knew his disciples could not understand what he was doing with this humble act at that point in time. Simon Peter resisted. He was not shy to speak up and in this case, it made sense. Peter believed Jesus was the Son of God. A servant should wash feet!

Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me (7-8).” Jesus was born, crucified and raised to life so we could be clean and have a part with him. Mankind’s greatest need is forgiveness and to share/connect with Jesus. He is our only way to God. So, the washing of feet symbolized the inner, eternal cleansing that Jesus could provide to those who believe in him by faith.

Once Peter caught on with the symbolism (kind of), he figured Jesus should not stop with his feet in that case. Jesus assured 11 of the disciples that they were clean. Of course, Jesus knew that twelve minus eleven was one. For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean (11). Jesus showed incredible patience and restraint with Judas Iscariot. It is one thing to face arrest, a bogus trial, flogging, and crucifixion. For one claiming to be a follower to start the process was cruel (21). For something like that to happen, the devil himself had to be behind it (2). Jesus knew his enemy.

As mentioned earlier, Jesus was initiating an ordinance of the church. Once he finished washing their feet, Jesus made a significant statement. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet (14). That word “should” may also be translated “ought to.” It is not a suggestion but an obligation. There are denominations and fellowships that practice foot washing along with the bread and cup in the context a communion meal. My church is one of them. I have washed other men’s feet and had mine washed for over 50 years. It is weird in some ways. But it is a solemn, significant reminder that Jesus cleanses us from our daily sins when we ask. Jesus knew our nature and our need to keep being forgiven. Jesus also knew we would be blessed when we gratefully remember (17).

Soon, Satan would enter Judas (27) after Jesus made it very clear who the bad guy was. Jesus knew and now so did the others (26). That night Jesus directly told Judas “What you are about to do, do quickly” (27). Jesus knew that his time had come. He knew he was ready to go to the cross for you because he knows you!