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Biblical Wisdom

The Knowing Comes First

John spends a whole verse on what Jesus knew. The next verse ends with a towel.

By EmberKeeper Editorial 1 min read

Scripture John 13:1–5

Before Jesus stands up, John stops to tell us what He knew. “Jesus knew that the Father had delivered all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was returning to God.”

A sentence like that ought to end on a throne. The next one begins with the word so. “So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist.”

Then He pours water into a basin and begins on the disciples’ feet. Verse 2 has just named Judas, and verse 11 makes clear that Jesus knew exactly who would betray Him. Those feet were washed too.

John is careful about the order. Jesus does not kneel to find out who He is. He kneels because that question is already settled. Service that is still looking for its own identity usually keeps score. Service that begins from knowing can afford a towel.

Scripture in English is from the Berean Standard Bible, placed in the public domain by its publisher on 30 April 2023.

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