John 13:17-20
The closest biblical parallel to John 13:17-20 is found in Matthew 10:40
Matthew 10:40 is a significant parallel to John 13:20, emphasizing the theme of divine representation. In this verse, Jesus declares, "Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me." This statement establishes a chain of authority and representation from God the Father through Jesus to His disciples. It underscores the importance of accepting and honoring those sent by Christ as His representatives. This concept is crucial for understanding apostolic authority and the mission of the church. It also highlights the unity between Christ and His followers, as well as the intimate connection between Christ and the Father. This verse empowers believers in their ministry, assuring them that as they go forth in Christ's name, they carry His authority and, by extension,
the authority of God the Father.
the authority of God the Father.
“If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”
- John 13:17-20
- John 13:17-20
Both passages address the theme of Christian blessings and civil obligations.
Here's a commentary on these common themes:
Here's a commentary on these common themes:
:: General Commentary ::
Jesus emphasizes the importance of not just knowing but also applying His teachings. He acknowledges that not all present will remain faithful, alluding to Judas's betrayal. This fulfills a prophecy from Psalm 41:9. Jesus reveals this beforehand to strengthen the disciples' faith when it occurs. He concludes by affirming the divine authority of His messengers, establishing a chain of representation from God the Father through Himself to His disciples1
:: Spiritual Significance ::
This passage underscores the transformative power of obedience to Christ's teachings. It highlights the spiritual blessing that comes from putting faith into action. Jesus's foreknowledge of betrayal demonstrates His divine nature and the fulfillment of Scripture. By accepting Christ's messengers, believers are spiritually connected to Christ Himself and, by extension, to God the Father. This establishes a spiritual lineage and authority that empowers Christian ministry and discipleship.
:: Historical Significance ::
Historically, this passage occurs during the Last Supper, a pivotal moment in Jesus's ministry. It foreshadows Judas's betrayal, a crucial event leading to Jesus's crucifixion. The reference to Psalm 41:9 connects Jesus's experience to that of King David, reinforcing Jesus's role as the promised Messiah. This passage also sets the stage for the apostles' future ministry, giving them divine authority as Christ's representatives. It provides historical context for the early church's understanding of apostolic succession and authority1
:: Literary Significance ::
Literarily, this passage employs foreshadowing, prophecy fulfillment, and parallelism. The use of the bread metaphor connects to the Last Supper symbolism. Jesus's statement about foreknowledge adds dramatic irony to the narrative. The structure of verse 20 uses a parallel construction to emphasize the chain of divine representation. This passage also serves as a transition in John's gospel, moving from Jesus's teachings to the events of His passion. The mix of practical instruction, prophecy, and theological statement showcases John's multifaceted narrative style1
:: Parallel Chart ::
:: Prayer ::
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the teachings of Jesus Christ. Help us not only to know Your word but to live it out in our daily lives. Grant us the wisdom to recognize and accept those You have sent as Your messengers. Strengthen our faith as we see Your prophecies fulfilled and Your divine plan unfold. May we be faithful in our service to You, even in the face of betrayal or hardship. Guide us to be worthy representatives of Christ, accepting the authority You have given us and using it to glorify Your name. In Jesus's name, we pray. Amen.
:: Q&A from GotQuestions.org ::
Q: What does Jesus mean by "Now that you know these things"?
A: Jesus refers to the lessons He had just taught, including washing the disciples' feet and explaining its significance (John 13:1-16).
Q: How are we blessed if we do these things?
A: We are blessed through obedience to Christ's teachings, which leads to spiritual growth and a closer relationship with God (James 1:25).
Q: Why does Jesus say He is not referring to all of them?
A: Jesus is alluding to Judas Iscariot, who would betray Him (John 13:18).
Q: What Scripture is fulfilled by the betrayal?
A: Psalm 41:9, which says, "Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me."
Q: Why does Jesus tell them about the betrayal beforehand?
A: To strengthen their faith when it happens, proving His divine foreknowledge (John 14:29).
Q: What does Jesus mean by "I am who I am"?
A: This is a claim to divinity, echoing God's self-revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:14.
Q: How does accepting Jesus's messengers relate to accepting Jesus Himself?
A: It establishes a chain of authority and representation from God the Father through Jesus to His disciples (Matthew 10:40).
Q: What is the significance of sharing bread in this context?
A: Sharing bread symbolizes close friendship and trust, making the betrayal even more poignant (Psalm 41:9).
Q: How does this passage relate to the concept of apostolic authority?
A: It establishes the divine authority given to Christ's chosen messengers (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Q: What does this passage teach us about the relationship between knowledge and action?
A: It emphasizes that true blessing comes not just from knowing truth, but from applying it (James 1:22).
Q: How does this passage connect Jesus to God the Father?
A: It shows that accepting Jesus is equivalent to accepting God the Father, affirming Jesus's divine nature (John 14:9).
Remember
“Heavenly Father, we thank You for the teachings of Jesus Christ. Help us not only to know Your word but to live it out in our daily lives. Grant us the wisdom to recognize and accept those You have sent as Your messengers.
Never forget
“ Strengthen our faith as we see Your prophecies fulfilled and Your divine plan unfold. May we be faithful in our service to You, even in the face of betrayal or hardship. Guide us to be worthy representatives of Christ, accepting the authority You have given us and using it to glorify Your name. In Jesus's name, we pray. ”
Amen
Ask John 13:17-20 Questions of Your Own
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“If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”
- John 13:17-20
- John 13:17-20
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