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John 13. The Last Supper. Broad Outline of Fourth Gospel. Ch. 1 Introduction: Prologue and Witness of John Ch. 2-12 Jesus Before the World ("Book of Signs") Theme: Through signs and discourses, Jesus reveals himself as the Son of God, sent to save the world, but is rejected by the world.
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John 13 The Last Supper
Broad Outline of Fourth Gospel Ch. 1 Introduction: Prologue and Witness of John Ch. 2-12 Jesus Before the World ("Book of Signs") Theme: Through signs and discourses, Jesus reveals himself as the Son of God, sent to save the world, but is rejected by the world. Ch. 2-4 Images of New Salvation Ch. 5-10 Growing hostility Ch. 11-12 Final rejection Ch. 13-20 Jesus Before the Disciples("Book of Passion/Glory") Theme: Having been rejected by the world, Jesus prepares the disciples for his departure to the Father. Ch. 13 Last Supper Ch. 14-16 Farewell Discourse Ch. 17 Jesus’ “High Priestly” Prayer Ch. 18-19 Passion Narrative Ch. 20 Resurrection Ch. 21 Appendix: Appearance in Galilee
John 13The Last Supper Similarities to Synoptics • In Jerusalem, during Passover week on Thursday night before crucifixion. • Jesus predicts his betrayal. • Interprets significance of his death. Differences from Synoptics • Not a Passover meal (Jn’s chronology has Passover eaten Friday night). • Synoptic chronology: Lord’s Supper replaces Passover. • Johannine chronology: Jesus dies as true Passover lamb. • No “institution” of Lord’s Supper (no “Eucharistic words”). • Has foot-washing scene and lengthy discourse not found in Synoptics.
13:1-38 The Last Supper • Washing the disciples’ feet (v. 1-20). • Setting (v. 1-2) • Announcement that Jesus’ “hour” had arrived. • Announcement that Jesus loved “his own” to the end. • Announcement that Judas will betray him. • Gathering of disciples for “supper”: not called Passover; vague about place and who was present. • Jesus washes the disciples’ feet (v. 3-5) • Foot-washing customs: common practice; normally job of slaves/servants. • Jesus stoops to role of slave – subverts social roles of superior and inferior.
13:1-38 The Last Supper • Washing the disciples’ feet (v. 1-20) – cont. c. First interpretation: foot-washing symbolizes Jesus’ death (v. 6-11). • Dialogue with Peter is full of allusions to Jesus’ death: • Words for “taking off” (v. 4) and “putting on” (v. 12) his robe are same as for “laying down” and “taking up” his life (10:18). • Peter objects to role reversal (v. 6, 8), as he objects to Passion Prediction (Mk. 8:32-33). • Only “later” will Peter understand what Jesus is doing (v. 7). • Jesus’ washing is essential to share his heritage (eternal life)(v. 8). • Jesus’ action cleanses them entirely (from sin)(v. 9-10). • “Except for the feet” (v. 10) is textually questionable. • Perhaps added by later scribe who didn’t understand symbolism. • Foot-washing symbolizes Jesus’ death on behalf of disciples and (perhaps) baptism which appropriates the benefits of that death. • Jesus’ humbling himself as servant symbolizes supreme humiliation on Cross. • Functions to wash disciples clean from sin. d. Second interpretation: foot-washing is example for disciples (v. 12-20). • Disciples should serve one another as Jesus has served them. • “Servants are not greater than their master” (v. 16; cf. Mt. 10:24). • Disciples are “servants” who serve, love, and lay down lives for one another.
13:1-38 The Last Supper • Prediction of Judas’ betrayal (v. 21-30). • Already alluded to three times (v. 2, 10-11, 18-19); now announced directly. • First mention of “Beloved Disciple” – “reclining in Jesus’ bosom.” • Jesus’ dipping bread and handing to Judas is act of friendship that puts Judas on the spot. • Judas receives bread and goes out into the night (symbolic of darkness apart from light of Jesus?). • Introduction to the “Farewell Discourse” (v. 31-38). • “Glorification” of Jesus (v. 31). • Paradoxically, “glorified” in humiliation of Cross (cf. “lifted up”). • Set in motion by betrayal. • Departure of Jesus: “I am with you only a little longer” (v. 33). • “New commandment” = “love one another as I have loved you” (v. 34). • Latin for “commandment” is mandatum; corrupted into maundy; gave name to “Maundy Thursday.” • In Jn., Jesus commands love only within the community (cf. Qumran). • Disciples’ witness to world through loving one another (v. 35). • Prediction of Peter’s denial (v. 36-38).