John 13:4

He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

He riseth {G1453} from {G1537} supper {G1173}, and {G2532} laid aside {G5087} his garments {G2440}; and {G2532} took {G2983} a towel {G3012}, and girded {G1241} himself {G1438}.

So he rose from the table, removed his outer garments and wrapped a towel around his waist.

So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist.

riseth from supper, and layeth aside his garments; and he took a towel, and girded himself.

Commentary

John 13:4 describes Jesus' preparatory actions before performing the humble act of washing His disciples' feet during the Last Supper. This verse sets the stage for one of the most profound lessons in servanthood and love demonstrated by Christ.

Context

This pivotal moment occurs on the night before Jesus' crucifixion, during the Passover meal with His disciples. The atmosphere was charged with significance, yet the disciples had recently been disputing among themselves about who was the greatest (Luke 22:24). In stark contrast to their prideful arguments, Jesus, "knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God" (John 13:3), deliberately rises from the table. The act of "laying aside his garments" and "girding himself" with a towel was typically performed by a household servant or slave, not by the master, especially not in front of guests. This physical preparation underscores the extraordinary nature of the service He was about to render.

Key Themes

  • Profound Humility: Jesus, the Lord and Master, willingly takes on the lowest position of a servant. This act directly challenges the world's notions of power and status, emphasizing true greatness found in humility.
  • Selfless Love: This entire scene is an expression of Jesus' deep and enduring love for His disciples, even "unto the end" (John 13:1). His actions speak louder than words, demonstrating a love that serves and sacrifices.
  • Setting an Example: By performing this act, Jesus provides a tangible model for His followers. He explicitly states later that they should do as He has done (John 13:15). This sets the precedent for Christian service and leadership.
  • Preparation for Greater Sacrifice: The act of "laying aside his garments" can be seen as a symbolic foreshadowing of Jesus laying down His life on the cross. Just as He temporarily divested Himself of His outer garments for this service, He would ultimately divest Himself of His life for the salvation of humanity.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "laid aside his garments" comes from the Greek word tithemi (ฯ„ฮฏฮธฮทฮผฮน), meaning "to lay down, put off." This word is significant because it is also used in John's Gospel to describe Jesus "laying down" His life for His sheep (John 10:15, John 10:17, John 10:18). This subtle linguistic connection reinforces the idea that His act of servanthood was a prelude to His ultimate sacrifice.

Practical Application

John 13:4 challenges believers today to embrace a lifestyle of humble service. In a world that often values power, recognition, and self-promotion, Jesus calls His followers to emulate His example of putting others' needs before their own. This involves:

  • Serving with Humility: Being willing to do tasks that might be considered beneath us or go unnoticed.
  • Loving Sacrificially: Expressing love through tangible acts of service, even when it requires personal discomfort or sacrifice.
  • Leading by Example: For those in positions of leadership, demonstrating servanthood is paramount, just as Christ did.

This verse reminds us that true Christian character is not measured by status or authority, but by the willingness to serve others, reflecting the very heart of God.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 22:27 (7 votes)

    For whether [is] greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? [is] not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:9 (7 votes)

    For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

  • Luke 12:37 (6 votes)

    Blessed [are] those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

  • Philippians 2:6 (5 votes)

    Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

  • Philippians 2:8 (5 votes)

    And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

  • Luke 17:7 (3 votes)

    But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?