New Testament
John 13:1
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Now before the Passover festival, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
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Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
What John 13:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a significant moment before the Passover festival, a time of great importance in Jewish tradition. Jesus is aware that his time on earth is coming to an end, and he is preparing to return to the Father. This awareness highlights his divine nature and purpose. The phrase 'having loved his own' emphasizes the deep affection Jesus has for his disciples, indicating that his love is unwavering and enduring. The statement 'he loved them to the end' suggests that his love is not just for a moment but is complete and persistent, even in the face of impending suffering and sacrifice. This sets the stage for the events that follow, where Jesus demonstrates his love through acts of service, ultimately culminating in his crucifixion. This verse encapsulates the essence of Jesus' mission: to love and serve humanity until the very end of his earthly life.
How to apply John 13:1 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on the depth of our love for others. Just as Jesus loved his disciples completely, we are called to love those around us selflessly and persistently, even in challenging times. Our relationships should mirror this enduring love.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Washing the Disciples' Feet (John 13:1–30)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 13:1 mean?
John 13:1 highlights a pivotal moment before the Passover, where Jesus recognizes that his time on earth is ending. It emphasizes his deep love for his disciples, showing that he is committed to them until the very end, even as he prepares for his impending sacrifice.
What is the significance of 'he loved them to the end' in John 13:1?
The phrase 'he loved them to the end' signifies the completeness and persistence of Jesus' love for his disciples. It indicates that his love is unwavering, enduring through the challenges he faces, and serves as a model for how we should love others.
How does John 13:1 relate to the theme of sacrifice?
John 13:1 relates to the theme of sacrifice by showing that Jesus is fully aware of the suffering he will endure. His love for his disciples remains strong as he prepares to make the ultimate sacrifice for humanity.
What does 'his hour had come' mean in John 13:1?
The phrase 'his hour had come' indicates that the time for Jesus to fulfill his mission on earth is at hand. It signifies the moment when he will face crucifixion and complete his purpose of redemption for humanity.
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