William Burkitt Notes and Observations - John 13:1 - 13:1

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William Burkitt Notes and Observations - John 13:1 - 13:1


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In this chapter is recorded the history of our Saviour's washing his disciples' feet, an action full of humility and condescension, and propounded to his followers imitation. The circumstance of the time is here noted, when this act was done; namely, at the feast of the passover, when the time of our Saviour's departure was at hand; and having constantly and immutably loved his own, he expresses the permanency of his love towards them to the end, by this action of his, in washing their feet.

Here note, How Christ chose the time of the Jewish passover to suffer in, that he might prove himself to be the substance of that type; that he was the true paschal Lamb, who by the sacrifice of his death did atone divine displeasure, and taketh away the sins of the world.

Observe, 2. The means which the wisdom of God permitted, to bring the Lord of life to his ignominous death: and that was the treason and perfidiousness of one of his own disciples, Judas Iscariot.

Where observe, 1. The person betraying, Judas; Judas a professor and a preacher: Judas an apostle, being one of the twelve, whom Christ had chosen out of all the world to be his dearest friends. Can we wonder to find freinds unfreindly or unfaithful towards us, when our Saviour had a traitor in his own house?

Observe, 2. The heinousness of Judas's sin in betraying Christ; he betrayed Christ Jesus a man, Christ Jesus his Master, Christ Jesus his Maker! the first was murder, the second treason. Lord! it is no strange and uncommon thing, for the vilest of sins, and most horrid impieties, to be acted by persons making the most eminent profession of thy holy religion.

Observe, 3. What hand the devil had in the sufferings of our Saviour: he put it in Judas's heart to betray Christ, that is, he did suggest and inject such thoughts into his mind, which Judas instantly closed with. The devil, being a spirit, has a quick access to our spirits, and can instill his suggestions into them. As Christ did breathe upon his disciples, and they received the Holy Ghost, and were filled with the Spirit; so Satan breathes filthy suggestions into the spirits of men, and fills them with all manner of wickedness, even with the spirit of hell itself. The devil put it into the heart of Judas to betray him.