I. The Devil's Scheme and the Reality of Betrayal
John 13:2-11 depicts a crucial scene within what is commonly referred to as the "Last Supper." In particular, Jesus' statement-"He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet"-stands out prominently in this passage. Here, we see how thoroughly Jesus serves, and at the same time how deeply His disciples' weaknesses are revealed. Even more, it clearly illustrates our human existence, so prone to fall into sin, yet it also awakens us to the profound grace of Jesus Christ, who "loved them to the end." Reflecting on this passage, David Jang emphasizes, "The Lord most dramatically reveals the 'mystery of love' by embracing even His enemies and loving them to the very end." The presence of Judas Iscariot-the betrayer-among the disciples highlights the extraordinary nature of God's unilateral grace, far surpassing our human sins and betrayals.
One peculiar point in the text is the fact that Judas Iscariot-an enemy and betrayer of Jesus-was present at the Last Supper. John 13:2 states, "The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray Jesus." The stark shock here is that in this holy and grace-filled gathering, there was someone already seized by the devil. John deliberately creates this striking contrast: Jesus' "love to the end" and Judas Iscariot's "unending betrayal" unfold simultaneously. Outwardly, Judas may not have looked so different from the other disciples, yet deep in his heart, he was already devising the scheme to betray his Lord.
Pastor David Jang notes here that "The devil's greatest purpose is to destroy the relationship between the Lord and His disciples." From the moment humans become distant from God, Satan exploits that gap to sow seeds of distrust and betrayal among brothers. Although Jesus had lavished abundant love upon Judas, Judas ultimately betrayed that loving relationship and resolved to sell Him out. This scene paradoxically shows that "even at the holiest of gatherings, the devil can infiltrate." In other words, no matter how holy the setting or the meal shared may be, if one's heart is seized by darkness, that person can fall at any moment into the pit of sin.
Moreover, the other disciples had absolutely no inkling of Judas's intentions. In John 13:30, it is written that after receiving the morsel of bread from Jesus, Judas "immediately went out. And it was night." The phrase "it was night" does not merely indicate the time of day. The Gospel of John frequently uses "light and darkness" as a literary device to draw contrasts, and Judas's departure signals entry into the realm of darkness. This "night" symbolizes spiritual darkness, the darkness of betrayal, and the concretization of Satan's plot. Furthermore, the fact that Judas, who had spent three years with Jesus-witnessing His miracles and teachings firsthand-ultimately departed into the "night of betrayal" contains a grave warning for us all.
Looking at why humanity can commit such frightening betrayal, at the root lies our sinful nature. We are, by birth, under the influence of sin, and by our own strength, it is difficult to escape its mire. Judas, who managed the treasury and oversaw the finances, might have been gradually nurturing material ambition. Scripture does not specify the exact reason for his betrayal-perhaps it was the lure of thirty pieces of silver, disappointment in his shattered messianic political hopes, or pure greed. Whatever the motive, the "seed of betrayal" that had lodged in his heart eventually sprouted and bore horrific fruit.
Yet we cannot simply stop at Judas's betrayal. According to the context in John 13, the other disciples were not spiritually alert either. Luke 22:24 indicates that at this very Last Supper, the disciples quarreled about who was the greatest. While Jesus was on the threshold of the cross-the most extreme form of suffering-the disciples were busy seeking their own glory. Pastor David Jang points out, "Even though Jesus was at the brink of His death, instead of building one another up in love, the disciples caused strife by pursuing their own gain and exaltation. So it is hardly surprising that Satan seized the opportunity to enter Judas and provoke betrayal."
In times of crisis or anxiety, people often become trapped in their own problems. Even as Jesus was facing the immense trial of the cross, He was still washing His disciples' feet and loving them to the end, whereas the disciples themselves were absorbed in conflict with one another. Likewise, despite having received Jesus' devoted love, Judas turned his back on that love and disappeared into the darkness. Do our lives not overlap with this picture today? We confess that we know the love of Jesus' cross, yet when difficulties arise in real life, we often choose anger or distrust rather than laying down our egos, at times even harboring hatred toward brothers and sisters.
Pastor David Jang particularly warns that "Even within the church, there may be people walking in the path of Judas Iscariot." One can attend worship services for many years, listen to sermons, and pray-appearing to be a genuine disciple outwardly-yet if worldly greed or sinful desire still secretly dwells in one's heart, the day may come when they make the wrong choice. Hence, "We must constantly remain vigilant, examine ourselves, repent, and strive for purity," says Pastor Jang. His perspective is consistent with Jesus' words in John 13:10-"He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean; and you are clean, but not all of you."
Jesus' words here convey two levels of meaning. First, the phrase "he who has bathed" refers to regeneration. That is, when you believe in Jesus and receive forgiveness of sins, becoming a child of God, you partake in a fundamental cleansing-a liberation from original sin. Second, however, our "feet" continue to be soiled by the dust and grime of this world. This refers to the personal sins or daily transgressions that we keep committing. It may be unavoidable that our feet get dirty while living in this fallen world. Thus, Jesus says, "You must wash your feet. Otherwise, you have no part with Me." Specifically, this means that we must continually repent of our daily sins and receive forgiveness in order to be cleansed again.
Pastor David Jang strongly asserts that "Even after regeneration, we absolutely need the daily cleansing of ourselves through the Word and prayer." Although we have come to believe in Jesus, it does not mean the struggle against sin ends instantly. In reality, our fleshly desires and the influences of the world keep tempting us, requiring us to continually come before the Lord to be cleansed. If not, we may find ourselves abruptly ensnared by darkness, like Judas, becoming someone who "has no part" with the Lord.
John 13 thus clearly declares that in order to remain "one who has a part with Jesus," we must wash our feet-that is, repent and be forgiven. We cannot bear the fruit of love unless we first wash away the dirt of sin. And the One who helps us through this process of repentance is Jesus Christ. Just as He took off His outer garments, tied a towel around His waist, and washed His disciples' feet, even today, He grants us the grace of washing our "feet" whenever we humble our hearts and bow before Him. This grace is intimately connected to the cross. Without the cross, our sins can never be cleansed; without the blood of Jesus, there can be no true purity.
The Lenten season is precisely a time to ponder anew this grace of the Lord's cleansing. It is a season to reflect on Jesus' suffering, to genuinely repent of our sins, and to restore within ourselves a heart of love that can even embrace our "enemies" or difficult brothers and sisters. During Lent, Pastor David Jang advises, "If you are already someone who has bathed-that is, a child of God-then it's time to wash your feet. Stay awake each day so that your relationship with the Lord is not lost through unrepentant sin." He further encourages believers to examine whether there is hatred or conflict within the church or home, and whether a hidden darkness akin to that of Judas Iscariot lurks within their hearts.
This dual identity as "someone who has already bathed, yet still needs to wash their feet" runs through the entirety of the Christian life. There is the fundamental cleansing that comes through regeneration, and there is the daily purification that comes through repentance. Even though Jesus knew Judas was firmly set on betraying Him, He still tried to hold on to him to the very end, even washing his feet. Yet Judas dismissed that opportunity, choosing to walk away into darkness. This warns us that "If we reject the endless love of the Lord, no matter how often it is offered, our hearts can grow hard, ultimately leading us down the path of destruction."
At the same time, Pastor David Jang emphasizes, "Even in the face of such thorough betrayal, Jesus continues to hold His enemy in love," which reminds us anew of how abundant God's grace is. Just as Jesus did not give up on Judas until the very end, so too, when we wander in the world or stumble into sin today, Jesus does not easily give up on us. Instead, He draws near to wash our dirty feet. Ultimately, the matter of foot washing boils down to: "Will I humble myself, bow before the Lord, and allow Him to wash my feet? Or will I pull my feet away and slip into the darkness?"
We should not view this scene merely as a historical event or a symbolic gesture. The Last Supper is reenacted time and again in the community of faith that is the church. Whenever we partake in Communion, symbolizing the body of Christ, there could be "Judas-like" individuals among us, and there may also be indifferent brothers and sisters who fail to perceive the darkness in someone else's heart. Hence, constant repentance, purification, and mutual care are essential if the church is to become the loving fellowship Jesus intends.
Another aspect stressed in John 13 is Jesus' humility and attitude of service. He personally washes the feet of His twelve disciples. In that culture, foot-washing was a task for servants, not the host. Even in a rabbi-disciple relationship, a disciple might wash the rabbi's feet, but for a rabbi to wash his disciples' feet was almost unimaginable. Yet seeing that none of the disciples assumed the servant's role and that they were busy quarreling, Jesus Himself rose, took off His outer robe, wrapped a towel around His waist, and began washing their feet. This goes beyond mere "service" in the ordinary sense; it is the astonishing scene of the One with the highest authority descending to the lowest position.
Nevertheless, Jesus' message extends well beyond a single "demonstration of service." The Lord says, "If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet" (John 13:14). Thus, if we are followers of Jesus, "washing one another's feet" must become our way of life. What does that specifically mean? More than just a superficial gesture of humility, it means bearing with a brother's faults and weaknesses, covering his sin, helping him repent, and literally washing away the filth in love.
Pastor David Jang explains, "A church that knows how to wash each other's feet is the genuine church." That is, a church where members conceal each other's weaknesses, repent together when sin occurs, and lift up the fallen. In such a church, Satan finds little foothold, for these believers are united by love rather than prone to division; if one person begins to waver, everyone comes together to support him.
Reality often falls short of this ideal. Even in church, individuals may pursue personal glory, expose one another's faults, spread rumors, or harbor ill will. Through such behaviors, "the devil's thinking" can infiltrate what we might imagine to be the holiest of gatherings, demolishing the community. If Judas-one of Jesus' own disciples-could become a betrayer despite being so close to Him, it should come as no surprise that our modern church communities are not automatically immune.
John 13:2-11 thus reveals that even at the holiest and most grace-filled table, a betrayer may be present, yet it also shows how Jesus' unwavering love and service can overcome such darkness. Contemplating this event deeply, recognizing daily that we ourselves are "those who need our feet washed by the Lord," can draw us closer to Him. Moreover, it can guide us to a life of love that embraces even our enemies-those who slander or betray us.
Pastor David Jang summarizes it thus: "Love is the most powerful weapon of all, and the cross is the ultimate culmination of that love." Not only did Jesus bear our sins on the cross, but by washing His disciples' feet, He vividly demonstrated what the "spirit of the cross" looks like in practice. And that spirit of the cross includes "loving your enemy" and "turning the other cheek," the posture of a servant who lowers himself to the utmost. That path is the kingdom value that overturns the values of this world, and it is the path true believers must walk-a path stretching from Lent to the Resurrection.
Whenever we reflect on John 13, we should ask ourselves, "Am I genuinely living as one who has a part with Jesus by receiving His cleansing, repenting daily, and abiding in Him?" We should also examine whether we practice the humility and love of "washing the feet" of our brothers and sisters. Worship, praise, and ministry are important, but if such "foot-washing love" is absent, we lose sight of the essence. It is a fact that the church will inevitably encounter sin-our feet get dirty enough to need washing. But each time we must come back to Jesus for cleansing and also wash one another. Only then can we form a "cross-shaped community" that transcends betrayal and conflict.
Thus, viewing the human propensity for sin, the devil's schemes, and the situation of betrayal at the Last Supper, we can simultaneously glimpse our hope in God's kingdom. Because just as Jesus said, "You are clean, but not all of you," and still washed the disciples' feet, the Lord loves them to the very end. He strives to turn Judas from betrayal until the last moment. And because of that grace, we can believe that our present weaknesses too can be restored before the Lord.
That is the profound message of John 13, and it embodies the core meaning of Jesus' words, "He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet." Whether or not we understand and live out this teaching influences the maturity of our faith. Pastor David Jang refers to this as: "Because of Jesus' love, we have received forgiveness of sins, and we must wash our feet daily so that we become ever cleaner-this is both a command and an urgent, practical task to serve one another." Since God's love surpasses our betrayals, we can be cleansed each day by that love and then extend it to others in service.
II. Love That Serves to the End and the Meaning of Foot Washing
In John 13, Jesus' act of foot washing vividly reveals that, even in the face of betrayal during the Last Supper, He never wavers in His love. The statement, "He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean" is a pivotal key to understanding both salvation (soteriology) and the process of sanctification for individuals and faith communities alike. Moreover, Jesus' words-"If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet" (John 13:14)-serve as a guiding principle for what the church ought to be. Pastor David Jang calls this scene "the birth of a new communal ethic," interpreting it through the lens of the cross: washing one another's feet reflects the very spirit of Calvary.
When Jesus says, "He who has bathed," He is referring to regeneration as understood in New Testament theology. That is, those who become disciples of Jesus-believing in Him and following Him-have been forgiven of their sins and born again as God's children. This fundamental cleanness does not originate from human effort but is unilaterally granted by the grace of Jesus Christ through His cross. Paul, in Ephesians 2, emphasizes that we are saved by grace through faith, as a gift of God (Eph. 2:8).
But Jesus then takes it a step further by stating, "He who has bathed still needs to wash his feet." In other words, even those already saved can easily accumulate the dust of sin in the course of living in the world. One might say that our salvation is "once for all," yet our old nature continues to tempt us to sin; our "feet" keep getting dirty. Therefore, foot washing is necessary.
What exactly is foot washing? Interpretations vary, but at its core, it refers to "daily repentance" and "the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit" that shapes our lives. Even though we have been forgiven of our sins by the blood of Jesus and no longer remain under the dominion of original sin, we can still stumble and sin in moments when our weaknesses meet the world's temptations or Satan's schemes. Hence we must daily examine ourselves under the light of Jesus' Word, turn from our sins, and be cleansed once again. As 1 John 1:9 proclaims, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Pastor David Jang explains, "Even after salvation, Satan targets our weaknesses to make us sin repeatedly. Therefore, believers must remain vigilant, examine themselves daily, and wash their feet through God's Word and prayer. Otherwise, though we have experienced regeneration, our lives can become filthy, drifting apart from the Lord." From this perspective, foot washing is indispensable for spiritual maturity; without it, one can regress spiritually, or even fall into betrayal.
Furthermore, Jesus instructs His disciples to "wash one another's feet" (John 13:14-15). This has great implications for the church today. The church is not merely a gathering of saved individuals; it is a Spirit-filled community purposed to make one another pure. Within the church, repentance and forgiveness must always be active. When someone's sin becomes exposed, instead of simply criticizing them, the church should seek to cleanse and restore that person in whatever way possible.
In reality, when conflicts or divisions arise in the church, all too often we end up attacking or condemning one another, or even splitting off. Yet if we follow the principle of John 13, in those very moments we must serve one another and strive to "wash each other's feet." It is undoubtedly difficult, yet Jesus showed us concretely how it's done. While none of the disciples took on the "role of a servant" and argued among themselves, He took a basin of water, knelt down, and washed their feet. This is indeed the epitome of sacrificial love, the God who pierces our human pride by coming in absolute humility.
Notably, Judas Iscariot was also there. Jesus would have washed even Judas's feet, yet Judas still chose to depart into darkness (John 13:30). This demonstrates that even if we "wash someone's feet," it does not guarantee that they will repent and turn back. God's love is given unilaterally, but if a person persistently shuts his heart, he will ultimately be consumed by darkness. From Jesus' perspective, however, the giving of love does not cease.
Pastor David Jang emphasizes this point: "Although the church should love and serve to the end, there may be those who betray and inflict wounds. Even so, our love and service must not cease, for that is the example Jesus showed us." This teaches us the importance of "long-suffering" and "embracing others to the very end."
Foot washing also brings about mutual humility. Culturally, during Jesus' time, washing someone's feet was a servant's job, and it was unimaginable that a rabbi would wash his disciples' feet. Yet Jesus, the Rabbi and Master, lowered Himself. This display of humility fulfills what Philippians 2 describes as Christ "emptying Himself, taking the form of a bondservant, becoming obedient to the point of death" (Phil. 2:6-8).
A Christian's greatness is manifested in "service." "Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant" (Matt. 20:26). This message challenges those who, even in church, aspire to power or cling to titles and prestige. The way of the Lord is not self-aggrandizement but the path of a servant. Therefore, if the church truly practices the spirit of foot washing, conflicts and quarrels will subside, and believers will mature into relationships that impart grace and light to one another.
Moreover, Jesus' declaration-"He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean"-can also be understood as both an affirmation of our salvation and a warning not to neglect daily cleansing. Some mistakenly think, "Since I'm already saved, I don't need further repentance," but that is the exact opposite of what this passage teaches. While it is true our very being and status are made fundamentally clean by Jesus' blood, our feet can still accumulate grime as we walk through this world. Hence, we must constantly wash.
Pastor David Jang explains, "God's grace has freed us from the yoke of sin, yet as long as we breathe in this world, sin's dust continually blows onto our feet. Therefore, we must wash it off immediately, so that we can serve the Lord in a renewed, clean state." Indeed, many believers, though they have received salvation, still wrestle with habitual sins. We might lament, "Why are they so imperfect?" But from this passage, we see the necessary discipline of repeated repentance-our regular "foot washing."
John 13 also makes it clear that "if you want to have a part with Me, you must wash your feet." Jesus tells Peter, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me" (John 13:8). Initially, Peter-unable to conceive that his Master would stoop to perform a servant's task-insists, "You shall never wash my feet!" But Jesus replies, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me," prompting Peter to exclaim, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!" (13:9).
Pastor David Jang interprets this scene as "a dramatic illustration of our proper attitude before the humility of Christ." At first, Peter reacts from a sense of pride or reverence: "How could You, Lord, do the work of a servant?" But after hearing Jesus' words, Peter completely surrenders with "Then wash all of me, please!" This reveals a posture of relinquishing oneself to grace. If we refuse to accept grace, we cannot truly enjoy the fullness of Christ's love. Sometimes our sense of piety or pride leads us, like Peter, to exclaim, "Never, Lord!"-effectively rejecting God's grace. But Jesus is adamant: "If I don't wash you, we have nothing to do with each other." Grace not received results in a severed relationship.
Thus, foot washing symbolizes admitting our "powerlessness" and relying wholly on the Lord. Trying to brush off the dust from our feet on our own will never cleanse us completely. This is why we need Jesus' touch. When He bends down to wash our feet, we must bow and say, "Lord, please wash me." Then He cleans our feet and restores us to the table of fellowship.
John 13 holds an enduring message, not just for Lent but for our entire Christian journey. Whenever sin ensnares us in daily life or conflicts erupt in our relationships, if we return to the Lord for foot washing, and also practice mutual foot washing in the church community, we will experience a restoration of grace. The key factor here is to "love to the end." Even in the midst of betrayal, Jesus loved His disciples "to the end," forsaking His own interests and pride, offering an example of sacrificial service.
Pastor David Jang refers to this as "the paradoxical glory that emerges from God's self-emptying." The path of the cross and foot washing is a path of suffering and self-negation, yet it is also the path that leads to true resurrection and glory. Easter commemorates Christ's victory over death, but that victory was made possible through the utter humility of foot washing and the cross. And Jesus calls us to follow that path.
Therefore, the saying "He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet" is both a reminder of the glory of our salvation and a reminder of our ongoing need for repentance. It also shows us that this is not merely an individual matter but one of "a community washing each other's feet." Churches must practice mutual care and grow together in Christ.
First, "He who has bathed" affirms that we have been regenerated by faith in Jesus. Second, the directive to "wash your feet" urges us to remain humble, repent daily, and obey so that our ongoing sins do not go unaddressed. Third, Jesus' action in washing the disciples' feet is the model for how the church should serve and love one another-even to the point of loving a betrayer. Fourth, if any still choose darkness, they sever themselves from the Lord and go their own way, just as Judas did. Jesus never gives up easily, but if a person remains obstinate, he may walk the path of destruction.
All these insights collectively underscore Pastor David Jang's repeated point: "Foot washing should happen constantly in the church, and that is the core of the gospel of the cross." Believers wash one another's feet and also regularly go before the Lord for personal cleansing, thus experiencing true sanctification and unity. In that mutual love, we taste the kingdom of God here on earth.
In John 13:2-11, we see both "the severity of human sin" and "the boundless love and grace of God" laid bare. Judas chooses the path of betrayal, the disciples quarrel among themselves, and in the midst of this, Jesus quietly washes their feet. This scene remains powerfully relevant today, reminding us that we are perpetually in need of the Lord's cleansing hand, and that in following His model, we must also wash one another's feet.
Too often in our life of faith, we grow complacent with the idea of "I'm already saved," or become proud, thinking, "Why should I serve others?" Yet John 13 reminds us who Jesus truly is and how we ought to live. Moreover, it reveals that the cross and this act of foot washing are what ultimately dissolve discord and conflict within the church.
Pastor David Jang declares, "When the church puts into practice the example of foot washing from John 13 day by day, and heeds the Lenten message to repent of sin and accept one another, the world will at last behold the genuine light of the gospel through the church." The world is not moved by outward splendor, numerical growth, or worldly authority in the church. Rather, it is the sight of humble service, sincere forgiveness, and selfless love-like that of Jesus washing His disciples' feet-that truly touches hearts and opens them to the truth. The spirit of John 13 is, therefore, the most tangible guide for how we should live.
In Jesus' statement, "He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet," we find a crystallization of our assurance of salvation, the daily task of sanctification, and the ethical calling to serve one another in the church. Although the Last Supper was marred by betrayal and contention, hope emerged through Jesus' unchanging love and humility. If today's church and its members earnestly meditate on this event and emulate Christ's foot washing in everyday life, then the joy of the Resurrection will shine more brightly in our midst. And this, indeed, is what Pastor David Jang has consistently emphasized: "Because of Christ's love, our sins are washed away; by that same love, we daily wash our feet and serve one another, so that in the end we can share in the glory of His Resurrection." Such a vision reveals the true essence of a faith community shaped by the cross.
