In the previous chapters (1-12), the Evangelist presented the story of Divine Love. In it the Word of God became incarnated and took the form of a human being. This is God’s plan in order to save fallen mankind, and to announce the supreme love and care for every needy person. He wishes to direct the eyes of all mankind to Him who loves them. He wishes men to recognize Him as the One who has the power to renew, satisfy, heal, and educate them. Now the time had come to reveal the height of divine love as the Lord walks in the road of suffering, and ascends on the cross for the sake of every human soul. Some scholars have called chapters 13-17, “the Gospel of Love.” In these chapters, the Lord meets with His disciples in the upper room, and then takes them with Him to Gethsemane. The Evangelist recounts the service of the washing of the feet, which the Lord undertook all on His own. He did so in order to attract them to participate in His love by washing the feet of their fellow men. The Lord also established, on that day, the mystery of the true Passover which all generations had been anticipating. He had yet to speak about the subject of the praise offered by the heavenly hosts; and finally the Lord gave farewell speeches which have come to be a living legacy for the church. The Evangelist uses the word “love” as a noun or verb nine times throughout chapters 1 and 2. In contrast, He uses this word 20 times in chapters 13-17. The story of the upper room is essentially marked by its theme of love. In His farewell speeches, the Lord Jesus Christ revealed many of His mysteries to His disciples. These had to do with the way the Divine Spirit works in their lives. Therefore He reveals the following: 1- God’s Divine Plan: In order to prepare a place for them in the great heavens, His plan anticipated the coming of all humanity into the joy and fellowship of eternal glory. The Lord revealed to His disciples that all He had gone through including pain and crucifixion was planned by the Father: through the Son His love for mankind would be fulfilled, and He would carry them unto the Father’s embrace 2- His Divine Identity: He is one with the Father, therefore He fulfills the Father’s will joyfully. Whatever the Lord says or does are actually the words and deeds of the Father, who is the lover of mankind. 3- He is the New Core: And disciples and believers are the branches of the Divine Vine. Although man was banished from the Garden of Eden, now he had the Lord as His true vine. Indeed, man had become a branch bearing great fruit into nature. The Lord becomes greatly pleased with the fruit, that is the work of His hands. 4- Their New Potentials: Sacrificial love for others. The believer considers himself unqualified to sacrifice his life for his fellow men. Yet, he joins https://coptic-treasures.com/ the Lord and shares with Him the glory of the cross and of the sacrificial love. 5- The Role of the Disciples in the World: Disciples need to love mankind even though the world rejects them. They offer what belongs to their kingdom, the kingdom of light and love. In contrast, the evil world offers darkness and hatred, which belong to the kingdom of darkness and of this world. 6- The Divine Support: God would send the Holy Spirit, who would guide the Lord’s children through and above the anxieties and sufferings which they face. They would smell the Divine Love as well as experience love towards mankind, glory, and honor, since they are partakers with the Lord in His sufferings. Indeed, they would smell the fragrance of the crucified Lord. The Holy Spirit would raise them above suffering; therefore nothing could trap or bind them. Such hardship would be seen as the path of Golgotha leading them to the crucified Divine One. With Him, they would rejoice in His heavenly kingdom. *** https://coptic-treasures.com/ The Service of the Washing of the Feet When the Lord had completed delivering His teachings, He began to hold private conversations with His disciples. This was just before He was arrested and His aim was to comfort them throughout the time of His suffering. Moreover, the Lord desired to reveal His mysteries and offer His final advice to them. He spoke to His disciples as a Father would speak to His children. For His wisdom would be an inheritance that would enrich and support them. 1. The washing of the disciples feet 1-17 2. His words about His betrayer 18-30 3. The glory of the Son of Man 31-33 4. Brotherly love 34-35 5. Warning to Peter and his denial of the Lord 36-38 1- The Washing of the Disciples Feet: ‘Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end’[1]. St. John Chrysostom comments that the Lord Jesus Christ did great acts from the very beginning of His ministry. Now that the time had come for Him to leave them and ascend to the Father, the Lord embraced them with His ultimate love through the cross. This would support them after His ascension. We too need to offer sacrificial love to all those around us every second of our lives for we do not know when we will depart from this world. Then we would leave an inheritance of love and memories of unforgettable loving deeds. Many scholars question the exact day of the Jewish Passover. Was it on Holy Thursday when the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lamb of the true Passover, established the mystery of the Christian Passover? Or was it on Good Friday when the true Passover was fulfilled, and which occurred on the same day of the Jewish Passover, in order to cancel the symbol? There have been so many writings on this subject, yet there is no doubt that there were some groups that embraced a different calendar than the one the Jewish religious leaders officially used in Jerusalem. This explains why the events reported in the three Gospels reflect a calendar that the Lord Jesus Christ used when He celebrated, with His disciples, the Passover on Holy Thursday. Yet, the Sanhedrin and their followers celebrated the Passover on Friday, so it was not possible to kill the Passover lamb except on Friday. On that day the lamb was presented to the priest on the official Passover day. The Evangelist is preoccupied with the True Passover: the killing of the Lamb of God who carried the sins of the world on the Cross. This is the Passover that encompasses all ages, it is the one that engages the heavens and the heavenly hosts. Therefore St. John is not concerned with the time when the Christian Passover was instituted, although he states that it was “before https://coptic-treasures.com/ the feast of the Passover.” In the book of Revelations, the Lord Jesus Christ is called the Lamb more than fifteen times. The Evangelist had a vision of the “Lamb as though it had been slain.” He also saw the glorified church as the “Bride of the Lamb” and how the heavenly life is “the marriage of the Lamb” who has come, and this wife had made herself ready (Rev 14:7). St. John saw the Lamb, the heavenly Holy of Holies or the eternal Tabernacle and Light (Rev 21). In Chapter 13, the Evangelist reports the ‘washing of the feet’ as a ministry of love and sacrifice. This took place while the mystery of the Eucharist was being prepared, not during the meal itself. It was the custom of the Jews to wash the feet before supper. St. John the Evangelist did not report the events of Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of the last week in the life of the Lord. These were reported in detail by the earlier three Evangelists. He also does not speak about the institution of the Holy Eucharist (Matt 26:26; Mark 14:22; Luke 22:19). Because the Lord Jesus Christ is all omniscient, He allowed the enemy of goodness to have power according to God’s set plan and timing. The Lord allowed the enemy to act and to instigate his followers to resist Him. Accordingly the Lord said: “This is your hour, and the power of darkness,” (Luke 22:53). St. John’s words that ‘His hour had come’ do not indicate that certain things were bound to be fulfilled over which the Lord had no control. In fact, this would be the Lord’s hour when the salvation of the world would be fulfilled through His Divine power. He would convert the evil of the wicked into goodness without forcing the wicked to pursue their evil acts. If there was anything inevitable about the events of this hour, it had to do with God’s sublime love, which demanded the salvation of the world. In proclaiming that His hour had come, the Lord revealed that He had come of His own will and at that very hour. Two complimentary issues are related to this hour- or it could be considered as one issue with two facets: His departure or ascension to the Father and proclamation of His infinite love for His followers. It appears that His ascension is not planned solely for Himself, rather it is planned so that His loved ones too would enjoy ascending and meeting with the Father. In this manner, the Lord accepted all the sufferings leading to His crucifixion in a spirit of sublime love. His sufferings were the source of His joy, as St. Paul explains in Heb. 12: 2: “…for the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” * St. John the Evangelist says, “Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come.” Actually, the Lord knew about this hour, from a very long time ago, not only when it was about to come. The Evangelist proclaims, loud and clear, that the death of the Lord is merely relocation as He was going to ‘…depart from this world to the Father…’ The words ‘He loved them to the end’ indicate that the Lord continued to love them in a constant manner. https://coptic-treasures.com/ * What is intended by: He loved them to the end’? It is as though He were saying ‘My love will never cease’1. St John Chrysostom * He has crossed over to the Father in order to feed us: so let us follow Him in order to get nourished. * We can enjoy the sufferings of the Lord and His resurrection by passing over from this deathprone life into the other immortal life. In other words, pass from death into life2. * This prophetic symbol now gets fulfilled in the Truth when Christ is led, as a Lamb, to be sacrificed (Is. 53:7). Consequently the utmost pillars of our heart are sprinkled with His blood. By making the sign of His cross on our foreheads, we are saved from the destruction awaiting this world. This is similar to Israel when it was saved from the slavery of the Egyptians who were ultimately destroyed (Ex 12:23). This perfectly planned Passover is what we practice as we cross over from Satan into the embrace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and from this unsettled world into His well established kingdom. This is definitely how we cross over or ‘Passover’ and belong to the eternal God. The apostle glorifies God for this grace that has been granted to us by saying: this word ‘Pascha’ means ‘passing over’ in the Latin language. Therefore this explains how we have a Pascha and a Passover. From where and to where does He cross over? From this world and into the Father’s embrace. He has granted hope to the members through the Head. In that manner they will trustfully follow Him as He passes over and takes the lead. What about those unbelievers who stand apart at a distance away from the Head and the members? Clearly, they are crossing over. However, there is a great difference between those who are crossing over from the world and those who are crossing over with the world. It is a difference between someone moving to the Father and another moving to the enemy. The Egyptians too were crossing over; yet they were not crossing from the sea and into the Kingdom. Rather, they were crossing from the sea into destruction3. * ‘He loved them to the end’ [1]. He is our end and in Him we pass over, this conveys that His own love is what drove Him to death4. St. Augustine ‘And supper having ended, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him,’ [2] 1 Hom 70 PG 59:413 2 Letters 55 3 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 55:1 4 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 55:2 https://coptic-treasures.com/ The Lord Jesus Christ announced that the time of His death was drawing near, and that one of His disciples would betray Him; another would deny Him; while others would abandon Him. To Him, He perceived that all such events were planned by God to enable Him to fulfill salvation. At the same time, Satan was preoccupied with dominating the heart of Judas. He planned to move him to betray His Lord. In so doing, Satan imagined he could smother the Divine Light and corrupt the eternal infinite love. However, God, the ever-righteous, transforms Satan’s evil into benefits for us. Some may ask: ‘Had not Satan planted the idea of disloyalty unto Judas’s mind earlier when he met with the Pharisees and made a deal with them?’ Some scholars believe the enemy of goodness had sown from ‘the seed of the idea’ and that he was watering it with the water of greed and betrayal. Then the enemy of goodness entered in Judas’s heart as the established owner and Lord and not just an instigator or tempter of an idea. When we open the door to evil, the enemy scatters his seeds just as a guest would do who tries to invade areas which do not belong to him. Then, when we accept his thoughts and ideas, and we begin to act accordingly, he daringly invades us to reign as an owner. He gets hold of the steering wheel and commands the direction while we are hopelessly unable to resist him, That is why, whenever we are careless in resisting him, we are exposing our hearts and minds to the enemy. Then he believes he is entitled to come in and take control. * His Lord continued, to the last day, to be generous to him5. St JohnChrysostom * Referring to Judas, it is written: ‘…the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him….’ Consequently, you could apply this to all those who have delivered their hearts to Satan. Satan could put in such a person’s heart to commit adultery, or in another person’s heart to cheat, or sow a lust for fame...this applies to all the sins scattered by Satan into hearts that are not armed by the shield of faith. Through such a shield it is possible to defeat all the fiery and wicked darts and not just one or two arrows (Eph. 6:16)6. * ‘…the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas’: in other words he had presented the suggestion to his spirit in the form of an idea. Rather than entering through a physical portal like the ears, Satan entered into Judas through his thoughts. Therefore what we consider to be spiritual does not always convey a praiseworthy matter. Notice that the apostle speaks about certain evil spiritual matters- Eph 6:11- that exist in the heavens; and he testifies that we need to struggle against them7. St Augustine Jesus knew that the Father had given all things unto His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God. 5 Homilies in St John 70:1 6 Commentary on John, Book 32:24 7 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 55:4 https://coptic-treasures.com/ According to our belief, the Father had entrusted the redemption of believers into the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore when the Lord says, “All things have been delivered to Me by My Father,” (Matt 11:22), He was speaking about that kind of trust. In another passage, the Lord Himself says, “They were Yours, You gave them to Me,” (Jn 17:6). He also said: “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him,” (Jn 6:44), and St. John the Baptist says, “…unless it has been given to him from heaven,” (Jn 3:27). The Evangelist means to convey that in all cases the Lord takes no lesser role than the Father. Since He came from the Father and has ascended to Him, therefore He posses all things. Consequently, when you hear that He was delivered and handed over; do not give that a human interpretation. Rather, this illustrates the honor of the Father and the Lord’s fellowship with Him. Indeed, just as the Father entrusted Him, so does the Lord entrust His Father. This is apparent in the following words “But each one in his own order: Christ the first fruits, afterwards, those who are Christ’s at His coming, then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father,” (1 Cor. 15:23), However, St. John reveals this manner in a human way to underline the great care of the Lord Jesus Christ towards mankind. The Lord proclaims His ultimate love by caring for men just as He cares for himself. He teaches us them all the righteous ways, such as humility, which He indicated as being the basis and end of every virtue. It is not without purpose that the Evangelist states that, “He had come from God and was going to God.” Rather, it is intended to teach us that the Lord acted appropriately according to His origin as well as His destination. In this manner, He crushed with His feet all forms of pride8. St John Chrysostom * He was not entrusted with just a few matters while excluding other concerns, but He was entrusted with “all things.” Accordingly, when David was in the spirit, he had this vision and said: ‘The Lord said to my Lord. “Sit at my right hand, till I make your enemies your foot stool”, ‘(Ps. 110:1). Even the enemies of the Lord are a part of “all things” and the Lord with His fore knowledge, knew that they had been sent to Him by the Father. However, in order to enable us to understand more clearly the implications, let us study carefully the statement, “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ, all shall be made alive,” ( 1 Cor. 15:22).9 Origen the Scholar * Since the Lord knew what He would do for the sake of His friends, he patiently used His enemies. In this manner, the Father put all things into His hands: every wicked one as well as the righteous were to be used to fulfill the ultimate goal10. St Augustine “He rose from supper and laid aside this garments, Took a towel and girded Himself.” [4] 8 Homilies on St John 70:1 9 Commentary on John, Book32:26-27 10 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 55:5 https://coptic-treasures.com/ He did not leave His supper, but left His seat at the table after everyone was seated and waited for the supper. The Lord took off His outer garments or coat, and put a towel around His waist to appear as a servant and to get ready to wash and dry the feet of those present. The washing of feet took place before starting to eat dinner. As the streets and alleys were mostly sandy and the shoes were “open sandals” while socks were not yet known, we can understand why feet got dirty and smelly. This would be especially true of those that had walked long distances in the heart of the land. Therefore the washing of feet was part of the job of the slaves or of one of the least status present at a social gathering. When David the prophet sent a message to Abigail to marry her, she rose up and said: “Here is your maidservant, a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my Lord” (1 Sam 25:41). Some scholars believe that the Lord started with washing the feet of Judas in the hope that his conscience would reprimand him and make him repent on what he had begun to plan. Our Lord had humbly told St. John the Baptist: “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness” (Matt 3:15). At that time the Lord revealed the righteousness of humility which He possessed even before the mystery of the Eucharist was established. So who of us would dare draw near to the Eucharist without first bowing down his soul before the Lord and receiving His blessing and then approach and receive His body and blood that have been sacrificed for each one? It would be a sad day for anyone to approach this mystery with a vain or haughty heart and to come without bowing down to wash even the feet of opponents and oppressors. * The words “rose from supper” indicate that the supper had been prepared and set on the table before the guests11. St Augustine “Come, O Lord Jesus Christ, remove Your clothes-those that You have worn for my sake. May You be naked in order to cover me up with Your mercy. May you carry a towel around Your waist in order to grant us the grace of eternity. May you pour water in a tub in order to wash our heads as well as our feet-that it may be a cleaning of our souls and inclinations and not just of our bodies. We desire You to take away all the un-cleanliness resulting from our weaknesses.” St Augustine How great is Your sublimity! As a servant, You washed the feet of Your disciples, and as a God You send dew from the heavens. You wash not only the feet; but You call us to sit with You. Moreover, in accordance with Your generosity, You encourage us and say “You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, you Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” [13, 14] Consequently, I desire to wash the feet of my fellow men myself. I wish to fulfill my Lord’s command. I do not want to feel ashamed nor do I take lightly what the Holy One did in the first place. 11 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 55:3 https://coptic-treasures.com/ A great good mystery that no one understands!”12 St. Ambrose ‘After that, He poured water into a basin And began to wash the disciples’ feet And to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded.’ [5] The Master waited until all the disciples were reclining on the floor around the table. In those days, it was the custom that people did not sit on chairs around the table. A slave would probably sit on a chair to eat; but free people would recline on the floor during meals. They would be leaning on the elbow of the left arm, their head in the direction of the table, and their feet to the other side. Usually, one of the slaves would do the washing of feet. If there was no slave, then it was expected that the youngest or lesser in rank would perform the task. However, the Lord Himself undertook this role. In this manner, He elevated the status of slaves. Although slaves are forced to do this task due to their social status, yet the Lord did so wholly and gladly by His own free will and through His humility and love. Consequently, a slave should not resent doing any task as long as he works for the Lord and not out of the fear of men. St. Paul accordingly encourages slaves, saying “Servants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh , with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ, not with eye service, as mean pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with good will doing service, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that whatsoever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free” (Eph. 6:5-8) Origen the Scholar believes that the Lord did not wash the feet of Judas as he could have no fellowship with Him due to his determination to do evil. In contrast, St. John Chrysostom comments that the Lord first began by washing the feet of Judas in order to offer him all the loving acts up to the very last moments before his treacherous deed. The Lord did so to grant him the opportunity to examine himself and withdraw from his evil intentions. * It appears to us that the Lord first began by first washing the traitor’s feet for the verse says “began to wash the disciples’ feet” [5] * Notice how the Lord demonstrated the way to be humble. He did so not by simply washing their feet but through other clear actions: He got up after they were all reclining and He washed their feet after He had taken off His outer clothes and not while He was fully dressed. Moreover, He girded Himself and filled the basin rather than ordering someone else to do so. He undertook the whole task all by Himself, all the procedures of washing the feet, in order to show us how to apply ourselves diligently in all tasks and not just go through them carelessly. St. John Chrysotom * Abraham did not carry water by himself. Neither did he wash the feet of those who had come to him as strangers. Father, he said “please, let a little water be brought, and wash your feet,” 12 Of the Holy Spirit 1:1:13-15 https://coptic-treasures.com/ (Gen 18:4). Joseph too, did not carry water to wash the feet of his eleven brothers. Rather, it was the man who managed his house who made Simeon bring water to them to wash their feet. In contrast, the Lord Jesus Christ says “I am among You as One who serves,” (Lk 22:27). He truthfully states “…learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart” (Matt. 11:29). He Himself poured the water into the basin for He knew that no one could wash the feet of His disciples in the way He could. He would wash them in such a manner that would allow them to have fellowship with Him, [8]13. * We believe that the water is the Word that washes the feet of the disciples when they come to be washed and the Lord came before them14. Origen the Scholar The Bible does not say: “He washed the disciples’ feet”, but rather states that He “began to wash the disciples’ feet.” Origen the Scholar comments, therefore, that the Lord began and has not stopped the washing since they are in need of being constantly washed. Indeed, they became unclean that very night after they had been washed; “all of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night,” (Matt 26:31). The Lord told Peter “…the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times,” (Jn 13:38)15. *Why is it astonishing that the Lord poured water in a basin in order to wash the disciples’ feet? Is He not the One who has poured His blood on the earth in order to wash away the dirt of their sins? Why is it surprising that the Lord used the towel with which He was girded to wipe the feet He had washed? Is He not the One who, with His own body which enveloped Him, establishes the sound path that His own Evangelists would follow? In order to gird Himself with a towel, He removed His outer garments. However, when He gave up the glory of His divinity in order to take the form of a slave, the Lord did not abandon what He possessed. Rather, He accepted what He did not possess before16. St Augustine Then He came to Simon Peter And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?”[6] It is clear that the disciples were in a state of shocked amazement due to the Lords act. None of them had spoken a word until Peter’s turn came. Peter had often witnessed to the Lord’s humility, yet he never imagined it would get to the extent of appearing as a slave undertaking to wash feet. 13 Homilies on St John 70:2 14 Commentary on John, Book32:47-49 15 Cf Commentary on John, Book 32:52-58 16 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate55:7 https://coptic-treasures.com/ * It is as though Peter was saying: ‘Is it with those same hands, with which you have opened eyes, healed lepers, and raised the dead, that you will wash my feet?’ He could not pray and beg the Lord with words other than these “Lord, are You washing my feet?” These words were enough to indicate clearly what was on his mind. St John Chrysostom * It is clear from these words ‘Then He came to Simon Peter’ that the Lord did not start by washing Peter’s feet. This confirms that the Lord did not think of anyone as the leader of the disciples. St. Augustine Jesus answered and said to him “What I am doing you do not understand now But you will now after this.” [7] It is as though the Lord is telling Peter “Allow Me to do this now, and I will soon tell you the nature and purpose of this act.” *What do these words imply “…you will know after this?” When? When you will order devils to come out in My name, when you will see Me ascending into heavens, when you know through the Spirit that I sit at the right of God. Then you will understand what is going on17. * This means that you will know the great benefit you gather from this. The benefit of the lesson you learn is how the Lord leads us to all manner of humility18. St John Chrysostom * For Me, washing your feet is a symbol of the essence of your souls. These get purified and prepared to proclaim the message of righteousness (Rom 10:15, Isa 52:7). Besides, you are enabled to touch the human soul by your pure feet. However, you do not know that mystery right now because you have not yet acquired the knowledge pertaining to His person. You will comprehend this mystery later on. You will consequently be enlightened concerning matters that are neither a symbol nor trivial19. Origen the Scholar Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him: “If I do not wash your feet, you have no part with Me.” [8] It was not possible for Peter, the apostle, to see his awesome Master take the position of a slave and perform the task of washing the feet. Therefore he objected to His Master’s action. He had not comprehended the scope of the Lord’s deed who through His sublime love, had chosen to occupy the status of a slave. Indeed, it even allowed Judas to sell Him as a slave, and permitted the enemy of righteousness to fulfill God’s plan for salvation through the Cross. 17 Hom 70 PG 59:416 18 Homilies on St John 70:2 19 Commentary on John, Book 32:87,88 https://coptic-treasures.com/ It is as though the Lord is telling Peter: ‘You cannot be My disciple unless I wash your feet.’ Indeed, if the Lord’s hands do not reach unto the inner soul and wash it, a person would not be able to enjoy salvation or become a disciple of the Lord. A believer needs to be washed in the baptismal font by the action of God’s Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:11, Titus 3:5, 6). Moreover, a believer needs to be washed by the precious blood (1 Jn 1:7). We need to wash the feet based on the premise that our souls get unclean while it walks in this world. This is a task that belongs exclusively to the Lord Jesus Christ. He alone can forgive sins and save the soul from corruption. We are able to enjoy Him through the mystery of repentance and confession. Without Him we are unable to partake of the joy of the Lord’s sacrifice (the mystery of the Eucharist). What do these words imply: “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me” The Lord points out here that the action of washing is His own specialty. On the great day of the Lord, a person will not appear to be pure or receive his share (of fellowship with the Lord in glory), through His own personal endeavors. This is granted only through the action of the Lord Jesus Himself who washes the souls of the un-cleanliness of sins. Often we object to the Lord’s acts due to our inner blindness and our inability to comprehend His divine wisdom and plans for us. * Peter could not comprehend the mystery and therefore refused the service. He imagined that by allowing the Lord to serve him it would damage the servant’s humility20. St Ambrose * It is clear that Peter spoke to his own harm, even though he spoke to the Master with respect and good intentions. Life is full of such mistakes that are committed by people who imagine they know what is best. Actually they are ignorant, and speak or do things that lead them to adverse paths21. * Peter, who said to the Lord “You shall never wash my feet!” was reprimanded and warned against persisting in this attitude so that he might have fellowship with the Lord. Similarly, it is far better for all of you to seek wisdom before taking decisions, rather than rush and make hasty decisions and promises to do one thing or another and persisting on taking the wrong course22. * If we do not do so (present our feet to be washed by the Lord) we will neither have fellowship with Him nor will our feet become beautiful. This is a particularly important matter as we are eager and jealous to receive greater gifts (1 Cor. 1 2:31). Furthermore, we desire to join those who preach righteousness23. * We even dare to add, in harmony with the words “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me”, that the Lord did not wash the feet of Judas because he had actually determined in his mind to betray his Master and Lord. The devil found that Judas was not dressed in the full armor of 20 On the Mysteries, 6:31 21 Cf Commentary on John, Book 32:57-58 22 Commentary on John, Book 32:96 23 Commentary on John, Book 32:101 https://coptic-treasures.com/ God. He did not possess the shield of faith that would enable him to quench the fiery wicked darts (Eph. 6:13-16)24. Origen the Scholar Simon Peter said to Him “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!”[9] Probably Peter felt that he needed a complete spiritual washing. Consequently, he desired to get his whole being washed and not just his feet. Some scholars consider that Peter’s request here reveals some sort of humility even though it carried some sort of pride too. He has not accepted the Lord’s thought but rather intended to fulfill his own. We often want to advice God so that He would act according to our wishes, even though we would be asking sincerely for spiritual matters. Origen the Scholar states that Peter did not want to get his hands washed, and that the Lord does not ask for the deadly application of the literal word. An example of that is the washing of hands before meals (Matt 15:2). Besides, Peter did not need to get his head washed. The Lord did not want that to be covered since the glory of God and His likeness rested on Peter (1 Cor. 11:7)25. * The apostle Peter, hastily excused himself from washing his feet. He was even more hasty to request that his hands and head get washed. In both instances he was motivated by his sincere love for the Lord Jesus Christ. Why did the Lord not ask him to follow His example rather than threaten Him? Because Peter was not chosen to do so. Had the Lord said “Allow Me, for in this way I encourage you to imitate My humility”, Peter would have made hundreds of promises in order to stop the Lord from washing his feet. However, the Lord uttered words that would frighten Peter and scare him profoundly. He informed Peter that he would be separated from the Lord. Note that Peter’s constant question was, “Lord where are you going?”[36] He also said, “I will lay down my life for Your sake”, [37]. St John Chrysostom Jesus said to him “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, But is completely clean; And you are clean, But not all of you.”[10] It was a Jewish custom to bathe twice, therefore the Lord underlines that the washing with the baptismal water occurs only once. The washing the feet refers to the tears of repentance which represent the second baptism. Eleven of the disciples were pure even though they abandoned the Lord and took flight in the critical hours (Mark 14:50) The Lord described them as being pure and did not reproach them for their weakness. Even though He said “…you will all abandon Me”, the Lord did not intend to reproach them. He merely wanted to confirm that He understands how a person suffers from 24 Commentary on John, Book 32:19 25 Commentary on John, Book32:102 https://coptic-treasures.com/ isolation in times of trouble. Accordingly, the Psalmist cries, “My father and mother have forsaken me….” Nevertheless, one of the disciples was not pure, for he harbored betrayal in his heart. The Lord had washed his feet though He knew of his deceit. In so doing, He reveals His compassion towards sinners and His desire for them to enjoy His gifts. No one is without sin-no one in the Old or in the New testaments. No one is without blemish except the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who is ‘without spot and without blemish’ (1 Pet 1:19). It is therefore possible to say that anyone who needs to enjoy repentance, needs to carry the features of his holy Lord. In other words, such a person needs to become holy by adhering to the Lord. He alone can state that “you are clean” (Jn 13:10). This is due to His blood that cleanses us from all sins (1 Jn 1:7). He Himself is the propitiation for our sins (1 Jn 2:2) * The eleven disciples who were washed and had become pure, became more so when the Lord had washed their feet. Judas, however, who had actually become unclean-according to the saying: “He who is filthy, let him be filthy still” (Rev 22:11) became even more filthy and impure for Satan had entered into him after he had received a piece of the bread (Jn 13:27)26. Origen the Scholar * Since the disciples were pure, then why did the Lord wash their feet? He did that in order that we might learn humility. That is why He came: not just for any member of the body, but especially for all those who are considered to be the most repugnant of the members.27 * He came for the members of the body which are assumed to be the most honorable. Were the disciples pure, even though they had neither been redeemed of their sins nor had received as yet the Holy Spirit? Where sin was still prevalent and no sacrifice had been offered, then how is it that they were described as being pure?! So that no one would assume that the disciples were pure and had been washed from sin, the Lord explained “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you” (Jn 15:3). In other words, ‘you are pure because you have accepted the Light and have avoided falling into the sin of Judas’… these disciples had driven out all evil out of their hearts and had befriended the Lord with their whole pure mind28. St John Chrysostom * “For to everyone who has, more will be given” (Matt 25:29). Since the disciples were pure, the Lord Jesus Christ added to their purity by washing their feet. He neither wishes to wash those who did not wash themselves, nor those who were not wholly clean. In fact, the Lord was speaking about those who had become pure through Him. Indeed, if there was one person among all mankind who was perfect but had not enjoyed being washed by the Lord, then that person would not be considered to be pure...29. 26 Commentary on John, Book 32:110 27 Homilies on St John 70: 2 28 Hom 70 PG 59:416 29 Commentary on John, Book 32:72-73 https://coptic-treasures.com/ * The Lord washed their feet because they were pure according to human standards but not according to God. Without our Lord Jesus Christ no one would be pure in the sight of God. This is true even if a person assumes that he had been washed based on his own specific effort30. * The Holy Spirit and the power of the Almighty could dwell in those who have become truly pure even in the eyes of men. It is as though such persons were themselves clothes: they had been washed through the baptism of the Lord, and He had also washed their feet31. * Since the Lord has made the disciples’ feet beautiful by washing them, then what could we say about the real beauty that appears in those who are baptized by the Holy Spirit and by fire through the Lord Jesus Christ? (Matt 3; 11)32 * Now the feet of those who preach the good news have become beautiful. When they have been washed, purified, and wiped by the hands of the Lord, they become capable of walking in the Holy path and of crossing over to the One who says, “I am the way”, (Jn 14:6). He is the only One; and all those who have had their feet washed by the Lord, can travel on that way. The Lord is the living way and through Him we come to God’s presence. That way will not be open to defiled or impure feet. On account of that, Moses removed his shoes since the place he was entering and standing upon was holy ground (Ex 3:5). The same thing applied to Joshua the son of Nun (Joshua 5:15)33. * As for the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, they needed to walk in the living way that is filled with activity. Therefore it was not enough to travel without sandals as He had ordered them (Matt 10:10). They actually had to let the Lord wash their feet after he had removed his outer garments and put them side. On the one hand, He probably made their pure feet even more pure. On the other hand, He probably washed their feet in order to transfer the dirt on them onto His body through the towel which He solely wore around His waist (Jn 13:4). Indeed, He alone does carry our weaknesses (Matt 8:17; Is 53:4)34. * Notice that when the Lord decided to wash the disciples’ feet, He chose no other time than when Satan had entered the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, and had driven him to deliver his Master (Jn 13:2). This was in fulfillment of the Plan (sufferings) for the sake of mankind. Before that moment, the time had not been convenient for the Lord to wash the disciples’ feet. Who else would want to wash their feet in that crucial moment leading up to His sufferings? That time was not yet right…it became right after the fulfillment of the plan (sufferings). The right movement came when the Holy Spirit visited the disciples who had become pure by the washing of their feet. At that moment their feet were prepared and became beautiful. Consequently, they could preach righteousness through the Spirit (Rom 10:15, Is. 52:7)35. Origen the Scholar 30 Commentary on John, Book 32:74 31 Commentary on John, Book 32;74 32 Commentary on John, Book 32:75 33 Commentary on John, Book 32:80-82 34 Commentary on John, Book 32:83 35 Commentary on John, Book 32: 84-86 https://coptic-treasures.com/ * What do you think dear brothers? Indeed, in the holy baptismal font a person is wholly cleaned, every single part in him. In spite of that a person goes on living in this physical world, and does not cease to walk on earth with his feet. Consequently, our own human feelings do not get separated from our deadened life on earth. These feelings resemble our feet with which we walk and which are directly responsible to our human actions. That is why if we said that we were without sin, we would be deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us (1 Jn 1:8) Each day the One who intercedes for us (Rom 8:34) washes our feet. We are in need to be washed daily. In other words, we need to plan uprightly the way our steps should go. The Lord’s Prayer teaches us to say “…forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” It is also written “If we confess our sins: then truly He who washed the disciples feet is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn 1:9): that is, He washes our feet with which we walk on this earth36. * The church, as it walks on her way to the Lord Jesus Christ, could be fearful of defiling her feet which she has washed in the baptismal font37. St Augustine ‘For He knew who would betray Him, Therefore He said “You are not all clean.” [11] * If you were to ask “Since the disciples were pure, then why did the Lord wash their feet?” Our answer would be: He did so in order to teach us humility. St John Chrysostom ‘So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again. He said to them “Do you know what I have done to you?”[12] The Lord had taken off His outer garments in order to wash the disciples’ feet. When He had accomplished the task, He put them on again and reclined like them. The clothes are a reference to the body and the Lord’s act is a symbol for His will and His resurrection which were achieved by His own personal power. At this point, the Lord fulfills His promise to Peter the apostle as He explains to Him the implications behind the act of washing the disciples feet. The Lord presents to them a command expressed in the form of a question. * The Lord asks them: “Do you know what I have done to you?” He directs this question to Peter and to all the others as well. St John Chrysostom “You call Me teacher and Lord And you say well, 36 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 56:4 37 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 57:1 https://coptic-treasures.com/ For so I am” [13] This dual title “teacher and Lord” corresponds to “Rabbi” and “Lord” and these were commonly used for the official Jewish teachers. * The One who sits above the Cherubim washed the disciples’ feet. Do you, O earthly person, proudly and vainly overestimate yourself ever so greatly even though you are made of ashes, dust and earth? St John Chrysostom “If I then, Your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, You also ought to wash one another’s feet.” [14] * When we bend over at our brother’s feet, the feelings of humility are awakened and strengthened in the heart if these feelings are truly found there38. * May each person forgive the sins of his brother, and pray for other sinners. In this manner each person would wash the other person’s feet39. St Augustine “For I have given you an example, That you should do as I have done to you.” [15] * However, there is no parallel, for He is the Lord and Master, whereas you are slaves and each other’s companions. Then what does “as I” convey? It is intended to express doing this act of humility with the same enthusiasm as Mine. In order to motivate us to perform even lesser tasks with humility, the Lord presented many examples of great actions. This is what teachers at school do when they achieve writing in beautiful letters; they intend the children to imitate them even though with lesser results…..and where do those who distance themselves from their colleagues go? Where are they who demand honors? The Lord washed the feet of the traitor who had defiled all sanctities. The feet of the thief who had reached the moment of betrayal and whose condition was hopeless and incurable. In spite of that, the Lord allowed him to share and sit at His table…do you boast and wink your eyes in the belief that you are better? Someone may say: ‘Let us wash one another’s feet’ Is it a great matter to wash the feet of our servants? For us, ‘slave’, and ‘free’, have two different meanings. However, at this point, practical reality presents itself. According to nature, He is God and we are servants. In spite of that, He did not refuse to do the job. Therefore He has made us indebted to one another as He has first performed this task. He has made us indebted to perform even lesser tasks40. St John Chrysostom “Most assuredly, I say to you, A servant is not greater than his master, Nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him” [16] 38 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 58:4 39 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 58:5 40 Homilies on St John 71:1 https://coptic-treasures.com/ Origen the Scholar noted that this custom of washing the feet of others was widespread among the simple and naïve, and that the Lord called for believers to perform this servicewhether they were bishops, priests, or officials who occupied worldly offices. Just as we are in need to wash each other’s feet, we should accept that others wash our feet too. * As their teacher, the Lord washed His disciples’ feet. At the same time, these were the feet of His servants too since He was their Master. The dust of the earth, which is a product of the world, would be cleaned through His teachings. In this manner, the physical world would not affect the innermost parts of the disciples. Matters which defile the feet may be torn away by the Lordship and control of the Ruler. He possesses authority over those who continue to accept being generally defiled. These still bear the spirit of slavery (Rom 8:15)41. * You can see how the Lordship of our Lord and Savior transcends that of other Lords who do not wish a slave to have equal status with his master42. Origen the Scholar * The same love that the Father has is found in the Son…and what love does the Son have other than that He sacrificed Himself for our sakes and saved us by His blood? (Eph. 5:2). The Father sacrificed His Son, and the Son offered Himself. He sacrificed the One who was willing to do so before all ages and who offered Himself as a sacrifice. The Father did not sacrifice the Son as a punishment but He offered Him as a blessing43. St Ambrose * The Lord spoke because He had washed the disciples’ feet through His words and by setting the example of a humble Lord. By His help we can apply ourselves to the any task at hand. We need to see clearly and work without delay while seeking to perfect matters that confront us44. St Augustine * ‘Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ’ (1 Cor 11:1). It is for this purpose that the Lord put on our flesh: to teach us to have virtue through His incarnation. God sent His Son having taken the form of our sinful body (Romans 18:3). Accordingly, the Lord says “Learn form Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart” (Matt 11:29). He has taught us not by words alone, but by deeds as well. They called Him a “Samaritan”, possessed by devils and a blasphemer. They stoned Him and the Pharisees sent servants to catch Him once, and they put Him on trial another time. They insulted Him, and when they could not find any fault in Him He would offer them bread through words and deeds… Let us watch His actions with His disciples and His attitude towards His traitor. The Lord had chosen Judas to be one of His disciples. He invited him to share His table and His salt 41 Commentary on John, Book 32:115-116 42 Commentary on John, Book 32:120 43 Of the Holy Spirit 1:12:129 44 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 59:1 https://coptic-treasures.com/ (which prevents corruption). Judas had seen the Lord’s miracles which called for respect. In spite of that he committed a most dangerous act. This was more serious than any other for he did not stone or insult Him: he betrayed the Lord. Although Judas deserved to be hated, the Lord treated him as a friend and washed his feet because He desired to prevent him from doing evil. Had He wanted, the Lord could have made him to wither like the fig tree. He could have split him in two in the manner of the rocks that got split, or torn apart as the veil in the temple. However, the Lord did not want to stop him from his act by force. Rather, He wanted Judas to choose voluntarily how to act. That is why the Lord washed his feet. In spite of all that, this wicked and miserable Judas felt no shame45. St John Chrysostom “If you know these things, happy are you if you do them” [17] Real blessings are obtained through knowing the Lord in a practical manner and this is revealed in obeying Him. A person does not receive joy on account of his great knowledge but on account of being involved and participating in the divine nature. At this point, knowing the Lord is converted into a practical experience. * Washing the feet is specifically performed by the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the One who washes the inner depths and forgives sins. A person who forgives those who hurt him through love and humility applies and shares one of the Lord’s greatest features. Such a person is counted as one who enjoys the new and blessed life in Jesus Christ. When the Lord says “…blessed are you”, He reveals His heavenly glory and life which we experience as we practice such acts. Origen the Scholar * “If you know” is addressed to everyone. However, “if you do” does not refer to everyone. That is why the Lord says: “happy are you if you do them.” Therefore I always say (repeatedly) the same thing, though you know it, you need to create the sense of duty in you. Even the Jews “know”, but they are not blessed as they do not practice what they know46. St John Chrysostom 2-The Lord’s Words about His Traitor “I do not speak concerning all of you, I know whom I have chosen, But that the Scripture may be fulfilled ‘He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me’” [18] The Lord unveils the plan of Judas to betray Him. From the start the Lord had known but covered up for him until this moment. But it was getting serious, and the Lord revealed the plan to His disciples who could never have imagined that such a thing could occur by someone from 45 Homilies on St John 70:1 46 Homilies on St John 71:2 https://coptic-treasures.com/ among them. Notice how the Lord did not generalize when He spoke about that sin. Rather, He praised the others for being pure vessels. At the same time He neither gave details about the crime nor revealed the name of the offender. However, the Lord underlines that all these events had been foretold in the Holy Bible (Ps 41:9). The Lord did not state the motivation that drove Judas Iscariot. It is true that the Evangelists had referred to him when Judas criticized Mary, the sister of Lazarus, for pouring the fragrant oil on the Lord’s feet: ‘This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief and had the money box….’ (Jn 12:6). Actually, the other Evangelists are the ones who have recorded the details concerning the betrayal of the Lord, the amount Judas had agreed to receive, how he returned the money after delivering the Lord, and his fall into despair. Still there is no commentary about the inner motives for his act. Scholars have attempted to analyze and elaborate on the reasons and motives for this treacherous deed. However, none of the Evangelists has tried to provide a full presentation of the motives of that traitor St. John the Evangelist presents this act of betrayal immediately after the Lord had finished the washing of the feet. He reveals the desire of the Incarnate Word to perform the smallest acts in total and sincere humility. Indeed, He offered Himself for the sake of everyone. The Lord served them all even though there was one among them who was plotting a great evil against Him. Judas counteracted the Lord’s service in his own manner. He obstinately held on to his own thoughts, and planned for his own profit while he failed to recognize that he was destroying himself. Our Lord- the true Way, leads us to enter into Him, and work in submission, humility, and sincere love. He is there to raise us, while there is one who seeks to destroy us. The Lord ultimately stresses that He teaches those He has chosen. It is not that He was uninformed about the personality of Judas when He chose him, but that all events take place by the Lord’s consent. The evil in Judas did not indicate he was in control of the situation. Rather, the love of the Lord prevailed. That love transformed that evil into an element used in fulfilling the divine plan of salvation. This grants us total consolation for there is One who loves mankind, who is in control, and who transforms all events so that they work for our well being even when the evil confronts and resists us. * Could the Lord know those who belong to Him (1 Tim 2: Num 16:5), and those who do not? He had said about some: “I never knew you” (Matt 7:23). Therefore He told Judas who did not belong to Him: “I never knew you” However, Judas belonged to the Lord but he had failed. It would have been possible to tell him “I do not know you, where are you from?” (refer to Lk 13:27). That explains why the Lord did not say ‘I know you all’ but rather said “I know whom I have chosen”47. * Judas raised his heel against his Master when Satan entered his heart after he had received the piece of bread, [27]48. Origen the Scholar 47 Commentary on John, Book 32:154-155 48 Commentary on John, Book 32: 167 https://coptic-treasures.com/ * The Lord did not say “The one who eats bread with Me will deliver Me.” He said “He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.” He wished to indicate the covert and deceptive nature of His assassination. St John Chrysostom “Now I tell you before it comes, That when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He.” [19] The Lord assures His disciples of His presence everywhere. He also underlines His knowledge of everything, to the extent that He informed them in advance about His death and all the events related to that. Consequently, their belief that He is the Messiah was reinforced. That belief became deeper as they realized that He knew all things and that He was the Savior of the world whom their fathers and prophets expected to come. * Actually, the disciples had once approached the Lord and asked Him to “Increase their faith” (Lk 17:5). They did not condemn themselves as though they were unbelievers. The word “increase” suggests that they had faith and it could become greater. The word “believe” could be interpreted as “so that you might increase in faith”49. “Most assuredly, I say to you, He who receives whomever I send receives Me; And he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.” [20] The Lord assured His disciples that although there are some people who are ungrateful and disloyal to Him; yet there are those who believe and accept Him. These are therefore counted as having accepted the Father as well. * What is the relationship between this and what has been said before: “…happy are you if you do them” [17]; and why did the Lord add these words “…receives whomever I send”? There is a strong link and harmony between both, as the Lord was preparing them to go out into the world. He knew that they would face many difficulties and He was comforting them in two ways. First, He clearly explained, “If you know these things, happy are you if you do them” [17]. Second, He says “…he who receives Me, receives whomever sent Me.” Indeed the Lord had opened before them all the homes they would visit so that they would be dually comforted50. St John Chrysostom * He who accepts the Lord’s messenger actually accepts the Lord Himself. And he who accepts the Lord accepts the Father. Consequently, he who accepts the Lord’s messenger accepts the Father who has sent the Lord Jesus Christ.51 * Based on these words, it is possible to accept the reverse implications. He who accepts the messengers of the son of destruction accepts the adversary of the Lord Jesus Christ. Moreover, 49 Commentary on John, Book 32:174, 176 50 Homilies on St John, 72:1 51 Commentary on John, Book 32:212 https://coptic-treasures.com/ he who accepts the son of destruction accepts Christ’s adversary as being the word that appears truthful and that falsely claims to be just. Indeed, this indicates the acceptance of the destroyer himself. Let us beware therefore and act as wise bankers. Let us adhere in our belief in the true messengers and reject the ministry of false ones52. Origen the Scholar Origen noted that the Lord said: “…receives whomever I send”, and did not say instead “whomever believes in you, believes in Me”, or “whomever sees you, sees Me” (The Lord wishes us to accept His disciples but He does not wish us to have faith in them too). When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit And testified and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” [21] The Lord was accustomed to speak about His sufferings and death without feeling troubled. However, when He mentioned the fact of being betrayed by one of His disciples the Evangelist reports that ‘He was troubled in spirit.’ Clearly, sins committed by believers sadden the fatherly heart of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, God says: “I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me” (Is.1:2). He also says: “In all their affliction he was afflicted…But they rebelled, and vexed his Holy Spirit” Is.63: 9, 10). The Lord was troubled ‘in spirit’ [21]: this refers to the human aspect of His spirit since He had truly taken the form of a full human being. Consequently, His spirit would be troubled on account of betrayal committed by one of His disciples. This feeling was not the due to fear of death or of the unknown, but due to anxiety and concern for that disciple who had dared to betray his Master and Lord. * The one who is going to betray Me is not an outsider or different from My disciples. Neither is he one of many disciples. Indeed, he is one of the apostles who had been honored as I had chosen them. There are many who have condemned the Lord and who cried out: “Crucify Him, crucify Him” (Lk 23:21)…however, Judas betrayed the Lord even though he had seen and known the Lord. He had known Him as a Teacher presenting many great lessons. He had heard these as he attended the Lord’s private meetings with His disciples. He got to know Him as the Lord. Consequently, when he betrayed Him, he betrayed the Lord’s greatness which he had come to know…a matter which is inconceivable for someone who has seen the Lord’s greatness… When Judas had learned how great He is; when he had heard the greatness of the Word, the Mind, and the Grace He possessed; then He betrayed the Lord. The weight of his deed was as great as the extent of his acquaintance with the Lord. For this reason it would have been good “… if he had not been born” (Matt 26:24, Mk 14:21). Being “born” could refer to renewal (the second birth) in its deep sense, or to ‘birth’ in its general meaning53. 52 Commentary on John, Book 32:213-214 53 Commentary on John, Book 32:235-238 https://coptic-treasures.com/ * Had the wickedness of Judas been apparent to the Lord’s disciples, they would have known who it was who would betray their Teacher. He told them “…one of you will betray Me”, but the disciples “looked at one another, perplexed about whom He spoke,” [22]. The disciples, in fact, felt embarrassed and would not suspect wickedness in Judas because he had acted so nobly previously. Probably Judas was not inclined wholly to wickedness. Even after the devil had entered his heart...he still possessed the sense of being able to make a choice. When Judas saw the Lord being judged, then tied and delivered to Pilate the ruler ( Matt 27:2), he repented and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priest and elders. He told them “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” (Matt 27:4). Judas, who had loved money, threw the money and went and hung himself (Matt 27:5). He did not even wait to see the end of the Lord’s judgment as He stood before Pilate. Origen the Scholar The Psalmist testifies that Judas did not feel hostile against the Lord Jesus Christ (Ps 55:13). Indeed, after Judas had delivered the Lord, he praised the Teacher and Lord as he said he had committed a sin by handing over innocent blood. He admitted his fault before the chief priests and elders. Besides, he threw the money on the ground and did not spend or enjoy it. All these beautiful touches indicate that he could have repented and moved closer to the Lord. However, he sadly opened his heart to the devil for a second time by committing suicide. Consequently, he lost hope in God, the savior of the world. St. Augustine wonders why the Lord Jesus Christ got troubled in the spirit and said “Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me”? Did the Lord not know before hand, and therefore He was troubled in the spirit? Did not the Lord say a little while earlier: “He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me,” [18]? Or did He get troubled because the hour had come when the execution of the betrayal would actually take place? The Holy One, who has the power to lay down His life and to take it up again, was troubled in the spirit. The Almighty was troubled, the Rock and stronghold was troubled. However, it was the weakness of our nature which He had put on willingly that got troubled. St. Augustine goes on to say: [That is surely the case in point: May the servants never have inappropriate doubts or thoughts about their Lord. May they comprehend that they are members of the One Head who died for our sake. Therefore the Lord was troubled as He stood in our shoes. The One who met death powerfully, was disturbed in the fullness of His power. The One who will transform our humble bodies into the likeness of His glorified body had also transferred into Himself the feelings of our weakness into His own, as well as His sympathy for us. Consequently, when the One who is great, courageous, steadfast, and invincible is troubled, we should not be worried as though He could fail; for He will not perish but will conquer on our behalf!... In His distress, we see ourselves. Therefore when anxiety gets hold of us we should not despair or perish. Through the anxiety of the One who could never be troubled without His will, the Lord grants us comfort when we involuntarily get troubled.54] 54 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 60:2 https://coptic-treasures.com/ * Through His power, He fully took on our human nature. With that same power, He fashioned Himself human feelings which He controlled in an appropriate manner55. St Augustine St. Augustine comments on the Lord’s words “…one of you will betray Me” and says: ‘The Lord here refers to the disciples as physical persons and not as a communal spiritual group. Actually, Judas Iscariot was not one of them and St. John explains, in 1 John 2:19, that: “they went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us,” (1 Jn 2:19). Then the disciples looked at one another, Perplexed about whom He spoke. [22] It is clear that the behavior of Judas Iscariot did not arouse any kind of suspicion. No one suspected him at all. When they heard the warning words of their Master, they knew He would not speak lightly or say anything to deceive them. Therefore they turned and looked at each. They were wondering silently: “Who could that be?” Their looks revealed their astonishment and inner turmoil. When David wept over his rebellious son, all his followers wept with him (2 Sam 15:30). In the same manner, the disciples became troubled when the Lord was troubled and saddened on account of His deliverer. The troubled spirit of the One who grants peace and joy filled the disciples with great fear. The feast was transformed from a time of joy to a time of great trouble and fear. Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. [23] In these times, the Jews used to sit in a reclined position at the table. They would lean with their left elbow on a pillow as they sat to eat. This was also the habit of the Greeks and Romans. There would be two leaning on the same pillow. Because St. John was so close to the Lord, he used to sit next to him and his head would be in the Lord’s embrace. Simon Peter therefore motioned to him To ask who it was of whom He spoke. [24] St. John was the right person who could put the question to the Lord. He occupied a special place and he sat next to Him and leaned on His bosom. Peter, in his usual zeal, wanted to know who would betray the Lord. However, he did not dare to ask and made a sign to John to ask the Lord. * In every situation, Peter stands out as he reveals his zealous love for the Lord. However, he appears to be in great fear at that moment. He neither spoke nor kept quiet, but he needed to find out through St. John the disciple. 55 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 60:5 https://coptic-treasures.com/ Then, leaning back on Jesus’ breast, he said to Him, “Lord who is it?”[25] St. John addressed the Lord respectfully, even though he had a very close relationship with the Lord and leaned against His bosom. He uses the title “Lord”: our closeness with the Lord Jesus Christ should not cancel our sense of awe and respect when we address Him. St. John was leaning on the Lord’s bosom [23]; and when he wanted to ask Him about the person who would deliver Him, he had to lift his head up. Origen the scholar comments that deeds are far more sublime and greater than leaning on the bosom56. * Their Master just gave them a hint. If you seek to know the reason for that, you would understand that He did so on account of His love. St John Chrysostom * The beloved John, who leaned on the Lord’s bosom, loved the two breasts of the Word (Jn 13:25). He placed his heart close to the Source of life and enjoyed suckling from the hidden mysteries that are found within the Lord’s heart. He absorbed them as a sponge would do. St. John offers us the breasts that richly carry the Word. Consequently, we can be filled with the same goodness which filled him as he drew out of the Source of goodness. He proclaimed the eternal Word. On this account we can truly say now: “…we will remember thy love more than wine: We have become like virgins, our minds are no longer childish or under the yoke of childish trivialities, and we are no longer defiled by sin as we draw closer to death due to old age. Therefore let us fully love the wealth of divine teachings…” (Song of Sol 1:4). John was the disciple whom the Lord loved, and the Lord is the Truth. The expressions used in this passage are far more beautiful and appropriate than those David used when he said, “the Lord is known by the judgment He executes,” (Ps 9:16). The Lord here is called the Truth as He makes “the crooked places straight and the rough places smooth” (Is 40:4). This is achieved through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to whom is due the glory forever amen57. * Those who were Jews by birth could not regain the virginity they had lost on that account just through reading the Holy Bible. In spite of that, we are told that St. John, who was the youngest one of the disciples, was a chaste celibate when he accepted the Christian faith. He maintained his chastity and on this account, he was especially dear to the Lord and leaned on His bosom. Peter, who was married, did not have the courage to question the Lord, so he asked John to find out the answer, [25]. After the resurrection, when Mary Magdalene reported to the disciples that the Lord had risen (Jn 20:4), both Peter and John ran to the tomb. However, John arrived before Peter. Also when they went fishing in the lake of Geneserath, the Lord stood on the shore and none of the disciples recognized that it was Jesus. Only the chaste disciple recognized the chaste One and he said to Peter, “It is the Lord,” (Jn 21:7)58. 56 Commentary on John, Book 32;278 57 Song of Solomon: St Gregory, Bishop of Nicea. Translated by Dr George Nawaar, 1993, Sermon 1 58 Against Jovinianus 1:26 https://coptic-treasures.com/ St Jerome Jesus answered, “It is he whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” And having dipped the bread He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. [26]. When the Lord dipped the bread and gave it to Judas, the disciples thought He had done so in order to have him hurry up and accomplish a certain task rather than wait to have supper with them. Just as John whispered his question into the Lord’s ear, so did the Lord whisper His response to him so that the other disciples would not hear. Rather than mention the name of His traitor, the Lord was satisfied to give a sign. By so doing, the Lord wants future generations to understand that God desires us to recognize those who rebel against the truth. We are enabled to do so through their wicked fruits and spirit rather than by knowing their names. It seems that Judas was so embarrassed that he did not dare dip the bread and eat from the same dish out of which the Lord ate. Yet the Lord dipped the bread and gave Judas who had to put out his hand and eat with the disciples. The Lord wanted to remind him of his sublime equal status among the others. It is clear from the Lord's interaction with Judas that the latter sat closely to Him. This could have been because Judas was the treasurer. Probably the disciples let him sit close to the Lord so that he would be close by should the Lord need anything for the ministry. Truly, there are many who get close to the Lord Jesus Christ physically. They elbow their way in the crowds wherever the Lord goes. However, they are far apart spiritually from Him. Besides these, there are others who appear far away, yet they carry the Lord in their hearts and thoughts. Such are embraced by the Lord who carries them within Him as members of His own Holy Body. St John Chrysostom finds that the Lord Jesus Christ used every possible means that would lead Judas to be troubled by his deed. It was common knowledge that even barbarian tribes would not betray those with whom they shared one meal. That is why the Lord used this as the sign that would indicate the traitor. It would be the one who would receive the bread after the Lord Himself had dipped it. He gave Judas to eat of the same food He ate; yet in spite of that, he betrayed the One who offered him food. * Even the manner by which the Lord reproached Judas should have embarrassed him. The respect for sharing and eating bread did not embarrass him; yet could he not have become overpowered when the received the bread from the hand of the Lord? Yet even this did not overpower Him59! St John Chrysostom 59 Homilies on St John, 72:2 https://coptic-treasures.com/ * What he received was good, but he received it to his disadvantage since he received that which is good while harboring a wicked spirit60. * The focus is not on what is given but on the person who receives the gift. The nature of that person is greatly important rather than the nature of the object offered. This is because even good things could be harmful; while evil matters could result in good things. It depends on the person who receives and handles an object . . . why was the bread given to the traitor? It could be for no other purpose but to serve as a witness to a blessing received by an ungrateful person61. St Augustine Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly." (27). The devil had entered into Judas because he had surrendered completely to the evil one. Judas became even more servile and a son of the destroyer as he never stopped to think of repenting and refraining from the plan against His Master. St. Paul speaks about the devil and says that ‘he works in the sons of disobedience’ (Eph 2:2), and that often he works more powerfully and clearly when a person submits totally to his evil authority. After the Lord had given Judas the piece of bread, the devil entered into him. If we consider the bread as a symbol of the Lord's tenderness and blessings, then someone who belittles and abuses His gifts sins against God and opens up the door for Satan. That evil one is therefore able to enter and take control. The Lord's words; "what you do, do quickly" [27] is not intended as advice but as permission from the Lord that Judas accomplish his plan. The Lord disrobes him of all blessings because he was resolved to surrender to treachery and evil. It is as though the Lord was telling him: ‘You insist on betraying Me and are not willing to open the door to repentance or to return into my embrace. Therefore go and do what you want. As for Me, I do not fear death and indeed I am prepared for it.’ Judas had already laid a plan with the wicked ones. They had agreed on a precise time and place. The hour for the execution of that plan was drawing near. Judas probably did not know how to excuse himself and leave. Therefore the Lord provided his heart's desire and need to leave. We hear the Psalmist say: "The Lord grants you the desire of your heart.” Through the Holy Spirit, we need to search our hearts in order to receive what we desire: Is there the desire to see God and have fellowship with Him; or is there a love to be evil and practice it? The Lord probably told him to hurry and leave before his case would be revealed to the disciples. They would have consequently humiliated him. Some may wonder: Judas had already planned and agreed with the chief priests and Pharisees to deliver the Lord, therefore why does this passage report that: .” . . after the piece of 60 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 61:6 61 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 61:1 https://coptic-treasures.com/ bread, Satan entered him"? Satan had shot one of his fiery arrows at the heart of Judas and discovered an inner response. This opened the doors of his heart and gave access to Satan to enter and reign as king! In the same way, we give access to Satan every time we submit to any evil thoughts and behavior. We would actually be paving the way to a greater evil. ∗ The Lord perceived the one who had entered as well as the one who had received him. He also knew of the whole plan against Him and so focused on the fight. He intended to overcome the wicked one in order to save mankind. Therefore He said: "What you do, do quickly" [27]62. Origen the Scholar ∗ St John the disciple speaks about Judas and says "Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him.” He is astonished at the traitor's incredible foolishness. The Lord spoke in order to comfort His disciples. He did not wish them to be terrified or filled with sudden dreadful thoughts as this would have added to their anxiety63. ∗ As long as Judas remained in the company of the disciples, Satan could not attack him and just played with his mind. However, when the Lord revealed his act and dismissed him from His company, Satan fearlessly jumped into his heart64. ∗ .” . . do quickly" does not sound like an order or an advice. Indeed, it sounds more like a reprimand coming from One who opens the door for a person’s reform. However, when it appeared that there was no way for correction, the Lord permitted him to go his way65. St John Chrysostom ∗ After receiving the piece of bread, Satan entered into the Lord's traitor. Judas had submitted to the devil’s authority and allowed him full reign over his heart so that he led him to sin. We do not assume that Satan was not within him earlier and at the time when Judas met with the Jewish leaders. At that time he made the deal concerning the price for betraying the Lord. St. Luke the Evangelist reports clearly: "Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve. So he went his way and conferred with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him to them" (Lk. 22:3-4) . . . Satan first came in when he planted the idea of betraying Jesus in his heart. Judas was in that spirit when he arrived for supper. Then, and after Judas had received the bread, Satan entered, not to tempt someone who was another’s follower, but to claim and rule the one who had become his own66. ∗ Some readers, other than scholars, think that Jesus received the Body of Christ since the Lord had offered to all the disciples present the mystery of His Body and Blood. Judas 62 Commentary on St John, Book 32:299 63 Homilies on St John 72:4 64 Homilies on St John 72:2 65 Hom 72 PG 59:424 66 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 62:2 https://coptic-treasures.com/ was there in the room according to Luke's narration in chapter 22:19-22. However, according to St. John, the moment comes when the Lord reveals His traitor by dipping the Bread and offering it to Judas. Probably this was intended to silence other false claims. Indeed, dipping something does not always indicate washing it for it could be done to prevent altering its color. If taken in a positive sense the act of dipping implies ingratitude for receiving something good and therefore deserved to be condemned67. ∗ .” . . do quickly"[27], not because you personally possess authority, but because the Lords wants you to do so. He is the Almighty One68. St. Augustine But no one at the table knew for what reason He said this to Him [28] Truly, the Lord knows our inner depths more than we do ourselves. Just as He knows the most wicked-such as Judas-He also knows the weakness of saints such as St. Peter the apostle. ∗ The Lord did not bring Judas' act out into the light. He knew that, if the disciples would get to know, they would have isolated him. Probably Peter would have killed him. This explains why the Lord did not inform any of those reclining at the table, not even St. John the Baptist . . . the Lord did not want to speak badly of Judas for the rest of the days they would spend together. It is our duty to do the same: we should not reveal the sins of others to those around us; even if they are in the same condition as that one who had gone beyond recovery and when there is no hope in healing him. St John Chrysostom For some thought, because Judas had the money box, That Jesus had said to him: "Buy those things we need for the feast”, Or that he should give something to the poor" [29] The disciples thought that the Lord had asked Judas to "Buy those things we need for the feast" [29]. It is clear that these events occurred the night before the Passover. The disciples knew there would be no selling or buying on Passover Day. Probably, they thought Judas had to go and buy a lamb to offer it on the day of the Passover which was on the following day. It is clear that no one heard what the Lord whispered in St. John's ear. That is why no one had any reason to suspect Judas. They believed he was doing charitable deeds during the feast. The Lord actually lived like a poor man, yet he put out of the little He had, into the money box. It was as though He obligated everyone, however poor, to donate to others. * If someone were to ask: why did Judas carry a money box whereas the Lord had said: "Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, nor bag for your journey, nor tunics, nor sandals, or staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food" (Matt 10:9, 10). Our answer would be: Judas carried a money box which was used to serve the poor. St John Chrysostom 67 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 62:3 68 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 62:4 https://coptic-treasures.com/ Having received the piece of bread, he then went out immediately. And it was night [30]. Judas left the house in Bethany and hurried to Jerusalem which was a couple of miles away. He hurried to accomplish his plan at night when his heart was in a state of darkness. In the middle of a cold and dark atmosphere, Judas left so that no one would see him as he did his evil deed which was worse than the dark night. ∗ We would like to ask St. John the Evangelist: ‘Why did you mention the exact time?!’ We know that his answer would be: So that you realize the cruelty of his heart since even the time of day did not prevent him from going ahead with his crime69. St John Chrysostom ∗ He actually ‘went out’, not only from the house where the supper was held, but in simple terms, he went away from the Lord Jesus Christ in a final sense. We believe that Judas could not bear to be in the same place as Jesus after having taken the piece of bread and after Satan had entered into him. Indeed, there can be no harmony between Beelzebub (Belial/Satan) and the Lord (2 Cor 6:15)70. ∗ For the other disciples (the piece of bread) was intended for their salvation. As for Judas, it condemned him (1Cor 11:27-29), for Satan entered him after he had received the bread . . . as we have said, this was symbolic. The bread, which nourishes fully and in a physical manner, increases the pain of the fever. At the same time it supplies health and energy for a person71. * It is appropriate that we understand the symbolic significance of the night in these circumstances. It represents the night that settled upon the spirit of Judas when Satan entered into him. It is the darkness that covered the depths of the world (Gen 1:2) and the darkness God called Night (Gen 1:5) St. Paul speaks about the night and says that we are not children of the night or of darkness, "But you, brethren, are not in darkness. . . we are not of the night nor of darkness” (1Thes 5:4-5). Therefore let us not sleep, we who are of the light (1Thes 5:5)72. Origen the Scholar ∗ The light speaks with the light. In other words, the Lord Jesus Christ spoke with His loyal disciples so that they would obey and love Him as His followers. The night too appeared to recognize the night (Ps 19:2) in the sense that Judas communicated with the unbelieving Jews who plotted to persecute and take the Lord Jesus Christ as a prisoner73. St. Augustine 3. The Glory of the Son of Man 69 Homilies on St John 72:3 70 Commentary on St John, Book 32:301-302 71 Commentary on St John, Book 32:309-310 72 Commentary on St John, Book 32:313 73 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 62:6 https://coptic-treasures.com/ So when he had gone out, Jesus said: "Now the Son of Man is glorified, And God is glorified in Him" [31] Until that point, it was hard for the disciples to comprehend what was taking place around them. They were unable to understand what the Lord's words meant concerning His crucifixion, death, and resurrection. However, they sensed some kind of anxiety as events seemed to take an obscure turn. In the middle of such anxiety, the evangelist announces the exit of Judas who is on His way to betray the Lord. However, the Son of Man would be glorified and God would be glorified too . . . how? First: When the corrupt element left and went away from the center of the church, the Lord Jesus Christ, who grants righteousness, became glorified. It was impossible for corruption to remain permanently within the Church. Corruption condemned itself by withdrawing from the Lord's real Church. Second: When Judas left, the opportunity came for the pure disciples to listen to the Lord's long farewell talks. He spoke to comfort them not only as they were about to go through the events of the Cross; but also to offer divine comfort to the Holy Church through out the ages and until He would appear on the clouds. As that corrupt one, intent on corruption, went out, the opportunity was there for the disciples to witness the great and heavenly Chief Priest as He spoke to the Father. He spoke about the mystery of the divine glory and about granting support to the Church so that she might enjoy fellowship in His glory Third: The Son of Man was glorified because the Father had chosen Him to be the Savior of mankind. The moment had come when His glory would be all the more greatly fulfilled as the people who were to arrest Him started to move. These would deliver Him to be judged and delivered to die on the Cross. This is the glory of His sublime and divine love. The Lord assures the disciples that the upcoming events would be extremely joyful. It was impossible to separate the role of the Father from that of the Son in achieving the salvation of the world. It is the Father's love that has offered the Cross for us (3:16; Romans 5:8). It is the Father who, through and with the Lord Jesus Christ, became reconciled with the world (2Cor 5:19). It is the Father who has blessed us through the Lord when He chose us long before He laid the foundation of the world (Eph 1:3-4). ∗ By speaking to them, the Lord lifted up their thoughts after they had plunged into anxiety. He succeeded in making them rejoice, besides helping them come out of their depression. ∗ These matters have been recorded to enable us to forgive and not hate those who beat us. We need to reprimand them as well as pray for them. Weeping over sinners is more appropriate than weeping over those in pain. A greedy person, who accuses others falsely and commits evil, brings upon himself a greater evil. At the same time, he causes us to receive greater https://coptic-treasures.com/ benefits if we do not avenge ourselves. For instance, if a person steals something from you, do you thank and glorify God for that? By giving thanks you would receive hundreds of rewards, whereas the thief would have brought on himself an in expressible fire74. St John Chrysostom ∗ That is why the Lord says: "Now, the Son of Man is glorified" [31]. That was the moment when the plan (the suffering) began and it ended by the death of the Lord. . . it all began at the moment when Judas left the room. After receiving the piece of bread, he left to accomplish his act against the Lord. It would have been impossible for Christ to be glorified if the Father were not glorified in Him. Therefore the Lord says: "God is glorified in Him."75 * Glory was fulfilled as a result of the death of the 'Son of Man" on behalf of mankind. His death was an intrinsic part of His humanity and this is completely unrelated in any manner to the Word and only Son whose naturally never dies. Neither was the Lord's death related to Wisdom and Truth, nor to any other designation used to indicate the Lord's divine attributes. Indeed, death was a physical characteristic of mankind, and the Lord was the 'Son of Man' who was born from the line of David according to the flesh (Rom 1:3)76. Origen the Scholar *What did the Day say when the Night left? What did Lord say when the seller left? "Now the Son of Man is glorified" (31) The Lord spoke these words to reveal that the time for His ultimate humiliation was getting close. The bonds, the judgment, the ridicule, the crucifixion, and death were about to occur. Is that glorification or humiliation? When the Lord worked miracles, did not St John comment, ‘for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified’ (Jn 7:39)? When the Lord raised the dead, He had not yet been glorified. So would the Father be glorified while He drew personally closer to death? He was not glorified when He did works that only God could do; so would He be glorified as He walked on the path of suffering as a human being? "Now the Son of Man is glorified" [31]: the Lord said these words to indicate the total withdrawal of the chief of sinners (Judas) from his friends. The ones who remained with the 74 Homilies on St John 71: 3 75 Commentary on John, Book 32:321 76 Commentary on John, Book 32:322 https://coptic-treasures.com/ Lord were His saints. We are the shadow of His glory which will be fulfilled when the wicked will be separated completely. Then the Lord Jesus Christ will abide with His saints in eternity77. * "Now the Son of Man is glorified" [31]: the word 'now' probably does not refer to the sufferings that the Lord was about to face. Rather, it could be a reference to the events that would follow immediately after His resurrection, and as though these have taken place already78. St. Augustine If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, And glorify Him immediately" (32) The Lord was glorified promptly and at the moment of His arrest, for all those present drew back at His words. They were unable to arrest Him except when He delivered Himself to them (Jn 18:6). The Father glorified the Lord in His sufferings, and crucifixion when nature herself witnessed that He is the Son of God. As a result, the centurion declared his belief, as well as the thief who was attracted by the love of the crucified. The greater issue is that the Son of Man was glorified though His death on behalf of mankind. This glory proclaimed the love of the Father who sacrificed His only Son for the sake of the world. Just as the Father was glorified through the death of His Son, so the Father proclaimed the glory of the Son through his resurrection from the dead. Consequently, the Son was glorified in Himself as the One who possesses power and authority. This glory was quickly fulfilled through His resurrection. We will see the fullness of His glory when we meet him face to face. This will also be fulfilled very soon when the great day of the Lord will come. The glory of the Lord had appeared in the tabernacle, and Moses was unable to enter in due to the cloud which covered it (Ex 40: 34-35). Besides, when the priests came out of the temple they could not go in to continue their service because the glory of God filled the holy house of the Lord (1Kings 8:10-11). Again, when Moses came down the mountain carrying the two tablets of the commandments, he did not know that his face was shining with glory. Therefore Aaron and all the children of Israel were unable to come close to him (Ex 34:29-30). At the Transfiguration the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ was reflected on His clothes which became as white as the light (Lk 9:29-31). In the Old Testament, the glory of God appeared in the clouds and on the face of Moses. In the New Testament, the glory of God appeared during the ministry of the Lord at His transfiguration. At that event, the brilliance of His face was revealed and He shone as the sun. This glory was reflected on His clothes. On the Cross, the glory of the Father and of the Son was mutually recognized. This has led Origen the Scholar to consider that the glory mentioned in this passage implies 'knowledge' which only the Father and the son know, as well as those to whom the son wishes "to reveal Him" (Matt 11:27). This knowledge is not achieved through 'flesh and blood' but by (the) Father who is in heaven (Matt 16:17). 77 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 63:2 78 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 63:3 https://coptic-treasures.com/ In these words the Lord Jesus Christ presents four important facts: 1. The Son of Man is glorified through the Cross as He becomes the conqueror over the powers of evil as well as the fulfillment of the divine plan for mankind. 2. The Father is glorified through the Cross by proclaiming His divine love towards mankind. 3. The Father glorifies His Son through the Resurrection and Ascension of the Son into the heavens while carrying the Church within Him. 4. The time had come to fulfill the fullness of His glory promptly and without delay. ∗ What does "God will glorify Him in Himself" convey? It indicates that God Himself will glorify the Lord and not by using any other medium. . . . "And glorify Him immediately" that is through His crucifixion. This occurred when the veil of the temple got split into two, from top to bottom, and there was an earthquake. The rocks cracked, the graves were opened, and many of the saints who were asleep were awakened (Matt 27:51, 52), this is what is conveyed by these words: "God will glorify Him in Himself.” The Lord intended to explain that it would not be long; there was no need to wait for the Resurrection, nor to show His radiance. Rather, His glory would be revealed quickly on the Cross where His glory would appear79. St John Chrysostom "Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer, You will seek Me: and as I said to the Jews, Where I am going, you cannot come, So now I say to you" [33]. "My children” or ‘My little children’ or ‘beloved ones’- ‘Teknia’ expresses great tenderness and feelings. These are similar to a mother's tenderness towards her infant whom she loves greatly. Now Judas had left and the Lord spoke with great tenderness towards His disciples who were like beloved sons to Him. The short period indicated in this passage could have been a couple of hours at the most. After that, the disciples were scattered, leaving the Lord Jesus Christ alone throughout His judgment. They could not go into the place where His trial was held. The Cross signified the isolation of the Lord from His enemies as well as from His loved ones. No one could accompany Him on that path and Isaiah heard Him say: "I have trodden the winepress alone" (Is. 63:3). Judas forsook the Lord, and all the wicked ones who were intent on their wickedness went with him. They would come to see the marks of the Cross when He will meet them again. Then they will ask the mountains to fall upon them, and the hills to cover them up from the face of the One who sits on the throne. On the way to the Cross, His loved ones forsook Him too for no one other than Him could participate in the sacrifice on the Cross. However, they would be crucified after He has risen so they would be glorified with Him too. They would find His suffering to be 79 Hom 72. PG 59:425 https://coptic-treasures.com/ glorious and honorable; therefore they would consider that their sufferings are a blessing they do not deserve. Moreover, His loved ones know that sufferings are a means of being in the eternal and joyful presence of the Crucified conqueror. * The Lord Jesus said these words to the Jews as well as to His disciples. It brought terror in the hearts of the Jews, whereas it awakened the flame of anticipation in the hearts of the disciples. * .” . . now I say to you" [33] . . . when the disciples will run away, and when the Jews suffer beyond description during the siege of their city, and when the wrath of God afflicts them from every side; then the Lord addresses the Jews concerning their lack of faith. As for you, the Lord warns you so that no unexpected trouble would afflict you80. St John Chrysostom * Do not be disturbed by those who say that the Jesus Christ the Savior is the Father of specific person. Indeed, the Lord told the paralyzed man: "Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you" (Matt 9: 2). He told the woman who was bleeding. . . "Daughter your faith has made you well" (Matt 9:22). Now, the Lord calls the disciples: "little children" and we believe that the intention was to underline clearly their humility. We need to learn humility from the disciples who possessed this feature up to that time81. * It is necessary to understand that it is not impossible for someone to change from being a child of the Lord into being his brother. On a human level, the son cannot later become a brother to the person to whom he was previously a son. * After the Lord's resurrection, those He has called "little children" became His brothers . . . they were as though they have been transformed by the Lord resurrection. This explains the Lord's words when He said: "go to My brethren and say to them . . . " (Jn. 20:17). In the same manner, it is probably possible to change from being a servant of God. The disciples were servants before they could become 'little children.’ The following words explain this point: 'you call me teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am (Jn. 13:13). The following words explain that idea: "a servant is not greater than his master" (Jn13:16) these sayings were expressed before the words ‘little children, I shall be with you.’ Note that a servant first becomes a disciples and then changes into a young child. Next, he changes into being the Lord's brother and finally becomes a son of God82. Orgen the Scholar They were going to seek Him. However, He would spend three days and nights in the heart of the earth (Matt 12:40) when His souls leaves to go to Paradise. The Lord spoke about that when He said: .” . . today you will be with Me in Paradise"(Lk 23:43). There He would carry those who had died with hope and bring them from Hades into Paradise. Nevertheless, the 80 Homilies on St John 72:4 81 Commentary on John, Book 32:368 82 Commentary on John, Book 32:368-374 https://coptic-treasures.com/ disciples could not accompany Him to His Paradise. At that moment in time they were unable to follow Him. * The Lord did not want His disciples to think that, being glorified by the Father, he would be unable to have any earthly relationship with them. Therefore He said: "little children, I shall be with you a little while longer" [33]. It is as though He was telling them: it is true that I will be glorified through My resurrection. However, I will not ascend immediately into heaven. Rather, "I will be with you a little while longer.” Accordingly, we read in the book of the Acts of the Apostles that the Lord spent forty days with them after His Resurrection. During these days, He came, went away, and returned, and stayed in their company, and He ate and drank with them (Acts 1:3) . . . nevertheless, He would no longer share their human weaknesses83. St Augustine St. Augustine perceives that this short while which the Lord indicated actually applied to the period between His last conversation with them to the time of His crucifixion, death, and resurrection. After that the disciples would seek Him but would be unable to go to Him. During this short while, the Lord would be sharing their human weaknesses. After that He would no longer share these features with them. An alternative explanation could be that the Lord was referring to the forty days between His resurrection and ascension. In that period, He would be with them but would not share the feature of human weakness with them as He would no longer be subject to death. He would then and would no longer be physically present with them84. 4. Brotherly love: “A new commandment I give to you, That you love one another. As I have loved you, That you also love one another.” [34] Even though Judas, who was so ungrateful, was one of the disciples, yet not everyone was like him. The others were loyal, and the reciprocal love they shared indicated their discipleship. This was an old commandment (1Jn 2:7), yet it was renewed by the Lord Jesus Christ as He gave it greater depths and potentials to apply it. The commandment was extended to embrace lovingly every person: even enemies and opponents. The ultimate aim is to redeem every soul. There are two Greek words used in the Holy Bible for the word 'new': one means recent, the one used here embodies a desire to flourish and refresh. The old commandment occurs in (Lev. 19:18). However, the Cross offers it to us with a deeper meaning. Here it gains a refreshing concept due to the potential of applying it in a new light. The commandment to love is a wonderful song which fills the Church with joy and gladness. It is a new command which will always remain new. All will practice it even the heavenly ones. It does not get old or obsolete (Heb 8:13). Tertullian the scholar informs us that the pagan speak about Christians and say: 'Look, how they love one another'! Minucuis Felix reports that the pagan Caecillicus says about Christians: 'they love each other even before they get to know 83 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 64:1 84 cf. St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 64:2-3 https://coptic-treasures.com/ one another.’ This is a testimony from pagans who resist and attack Christians. Lucian of Samosata who never said a good word about Christians, attacked them for being foolish. He said that since they loved one another, it is possible for any pagan to exploit this love and gather from them great wealth. The Evangelist points to two new topics: the new commandment here and the new tomb where the Lord would be buried (Jn.19:21). By accepting this commandment into our depths, our inner being is transformed into the Lord's tomb. It is a new tomb where the Lord will rest in the company of His angels. Our inner depths will bear witness to His glorious resurrection, and in this manner the new commandment transforms our tomb into a new heaven! * It is as though the Lord was telling them: you have become anxious because I'm leaving you. However, if you love one another you will be the most powerful85. St John Chrysostom * This is a new commandment since the Lord has stripped away the old and has dressed us with the new human being. Actually, there is no love that has the power to renew those who submit or obey it. Here the Lord is speaking about a love that is distinctly different from physical emotions as He goes on to say: .” . . as I have loved you" [24]. Our Lord has given us a new commandment and that is that we love one another as He has loved us. That is the love that will renew us and transform us into new beings and into heirs of the new promise and testament. Hence we will praise Him with a new song of praise86. * Let us love one another with great concern to win each other and to have the Lord live within us. This love is granted through Him . . . for He has loved us with this goal: that we might love one another. By loving us, He has granted us the power of brotherly love. Consequently we join together in loving fellowship and unite as members joined by the ties of joy. As a result, we become one body to the Almighty Head87. * The Lord seems to be telling us: ‘There are other blessings that those who do not belong to Me share with you. They share nature, life, sensations, reasoning, and security. I grant these as blessings to men and beasts. Besides, I grant all the gifts of language, mysteries, prophecies, knowledge, shelter, faith, generosity, as well as freedom to deliver their bodies even to fire. However, because they lack love, they become as sounding brass; as nothing, they are become good for nothing ( 1 Cor 13:1-3)88. St. Augustine 85 Homilies on St John 72:4 86 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 65:1 87 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 65:2 88 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 65:3 https://coptic-treasures.com/ “By this shall all men know that you are My disciples, If you have love for one another.” [35] Sin leads the soul to slip into the path of darkness and death. Conversely the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, the word Incarnated leads to resurrection from the grave. He offers divine knowledge and achieves divine wonders. Consequently, through faith the soul adheres to path of righteousness and truth. She shakes away all that is shameful and expands as it is filled with love to God, to His heavenly hosts, as well as towards all his earthly creatures. With such a heart, a person is enabled to walk in the narrow path while carrying a big heart. In contrast, a sinful heart leads its owner into a wide path yet characterized by a restricted heart. The psalmist says: "I will run in the way of your commandments, for you will enlarge my heart" (Ps. 119:32). * If you wondered: 'what was the Lord's purpose when He said these words?’ Our answer would be: ‘This love is grater than all other virtues. It transforms people into saints because it is the basis of all virtue.’ If you asked: ‘What do you think: Do miracles help to reveal this love in a more appropriate and devoted manner?’ Our answer would be: ‘It does not reveal it any way.’ The Lord Himself said: "Many will say to Me in that day, Lord have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in your name, and done many wonders in your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ' I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”(Matt 7:2223). Besides, when the disciples were glad that the devils obeyed them, the Lord told them: 'Nevertheless do not rejoice in this. That the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven' (Lk10:20). If the making of the miracles would lead the world into the faith, then love was present even before that. If love does not exist, then the effect of miracles would be short- lived89. * How great is love! It is more powerful than fire. It reaches to the highest heavens and nothing can hinder it90. St John Chrysostom * It is good to extend and enlarge our hearts as much as possible. This would be a safeguard against limitations such as cowardice or destructive and angry energy. Such limitations would disable us from receiving what the prophet calls 'the large road’ of God’s commandments into our limited hearts. Moreover, we would be unable to join the prophet and say: "I will run in the way of your commandments, for you will enlarge my heart."91 Fr. Youssef 89 Homilies on St John 72:4 90 Homilies on St John 73:1 91 St Cassian: Conferences, 16:27 https://coptic-treasures.com/ * I would be unable to run in the path of your commandments if you do not enlarge my heart. . . can you do that on your own?. . . The answer is "no I cannot.” It cannot be done with my own will, and as though I did not need Your help; yet I can because You have enlarged my heart. An enlarged heart is filled with joy which we have received as we walk uprightly. It is a gift from God which leads us not to resent His commands. We obey not due to fear of penalty. Indeed, the heart opens up through love and joy which we have found in righteousness. St Augustine * The road to life is narrow and difficult (Matt 7:14). However, the heart that walks uprightly, that is in the path of the Lord's commands, is opened up and welcomes the divine word. Being sanctified, the heart sees God. In contrast, the wide road leads to destruction (Matt7:13). The heart that walks on that road is narrow and refuses to set up a house for the Father and Son within (Jn.14:23). Through ignorance, such a heart disregards God and restricts itself due to its own cruelty. Let us meditate on Solomon's teachings. He tells us how to record the divine word on the tablets of our hearts (Prov. 3:4; 7:3; 22:20) He proclaims "Wisdom calls aloud outside; she raises her voice. . (Prov. 1:20) "Outside" refers to the hearts which God intends to enlarge, and not to the streets. . Origen the Scholar ∗ The path of the Lord's commandments is narrow. However, the heart of the one walking on that path is opened up and enlarged. This is because the Father, Son and Holy Spirit live within. Therefore that person walks on swiftly and with a big heart . . . whereas the road taken by evil doers is wide and their hearts are restricted for there is no place for God within them. Anthimus, Bishop of Jerusalem 5. Warning to Peter and Denial of the Lord: Peter said to Him, "Where are you going?" Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, But you shall follow Me afterward.” [36] The Lord had told His disciples previously that they could not go where He was going [33]. In spite of that, Peter dared to ask: “Lord where are you going?” His curiosity led him into a discussion that was not needed as it ended by a confirmation that he would deny His Master three times. This was something Peter could not accept logically. It would have been appropriate for him to accept the Lord's words and to meditate on the commandment of love rather than to inquire about matters outside his scope. In spite of Peter's impulsive question, the Lord candidly responded with enough information to support him on the road of suffering: he would eventually die with Him, drink of the cup with https://coptic-treasures.com/ Him. Yet this would happen later on and then would attain the blessing of joining the Lord. The Lord did not give Peter the answer he wanted. Peter wanted to know the place to which the Lord was going. Peter had accompanied the Lord everywhere and he did not imagine he could be separated from Him. Maybe Peter thought that the Lord was getting some temporal glory or earthly status. However, the Lord revealed to him where he could not accompany His Lord to heaven. Peter had not yet accomplished his earthly task, nor was he mature enough to be raised with the Lord into eternal glory. * Great love is stronger than fire itself. It lifts us to the heavens. There is no obstacle to hinder its great progression. Peter, the apostle, was so aroused with anticipation when he heard the Lord's words: 'where I am going you cannot come. . . ‘(33), and he asks "Lord, where are you going?” He said that to reveal his state of mind and emotions, as he was anxious to follow the Lord, and so was not just seeking for just more information. This explains his hasty response ‘I will lay down my life for You.’ St John Chrysostom * The Lord announced that the possibility of following Him had to be postponed. Yet He did not lead Peter to lose hope. On the contrary, He granted him that hope by saying: .” . . but you shall follow Me afterward" [36] why are you so impulsive, Peter? The Rock had not yet blessed Him with steadfastness that proceeds from His Holy Spirit. Do not lift yourself up to the heights for "you cannot . . now”: and do not fall into despair for "you shall follow Me afterward"92. St Augustine Peter said to Him, "Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for your sake." [37] Probably Peter thought the Lord was going on a long difficult journey and He could find no reason that could prevent him from accompanying the Lord. He was ready to accompany Him even it entailed death. Poor Peter did not know his own weakness and his inability to follow the Lord without the divine grace. He did not realize that without the Lord Jesus Christ he could do nothing (Jn. 15:5). * When Peter heard the words of the Lord, .” . . but you shall follow Me afterward", he could not restrain his strong desire and impulsively asked, “Lord why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for your sake!” We ask Peter the apostle: 'What are you saying Peter? The Lord told you; you cannot follow Me now.’ Do you ask: 'Why can I not follow You?’ With experience, you will learn that your love means nothing if it is not accompanied by help from above. St John Chrysostom * This trial is a lesson that teaches us not to belittle the weakness of the flesh lest we get tried93. St. Ambrose * In his mind, he had the desire; however he did not comprehend the measure of his strength. 92 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 66:1 93 On the Decease of His Brother Saytrus, Book 2:28 https://coptic-treasures.com/ The weak boasted in his persistence, but the Healer eyed his health. The one promised while the other had foreknowledge. The ignorant was bold, but the all-knowing humbled Himself to be a teacher. What a great promise Peter made! He only considered his yearning without taking into account his potentials94. St Augustine Jesus answered him: "Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow Till you have denied Me three times.” [38] * Note the great fall of Peter the apostle! He could have been guilty on or two counts; yet in a short period, he uttered a denial that resulted in three counts of guilt. St John Chrysostom * O you who take pride in your ability to die on My behalf, first learn to live and look after yourself. By fearing the death of your body, you open up the possibility of the death of your soul. Acknowledging the Lord Jesus Christ is life giving, while denying Him is death95. * He who denies the Lord incarnate cannot be reconciled with God through the mediator; for there is only one God and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1Tim 2:5). * Anyone who denies that the Lord Jesus Christ is also Man cannot be redeemed, 'for as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners. So also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous (Rom 5:19). Any one who denies the Lord incarnate cannot be part of the resurrected life. Just as through one man death has entered, so through one Man has come the resurrection of the dead. "For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead" (1Cor 15:21-22)96. St Augustine 94 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 66;1 95 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 66:1 96 St Augustine: On the Gospel of St John, tractate 66:2 https://coptic-treasures.com/ Meditations Inspired by St John’s Gospel, Chapter 13 Allow Me to be daring and wash My Brother's Feet! ∗ Greed opened the heart of Judas so Satan could sow his seeds. He put his hand out to steal more than once so the enemy entered into him. When he became intent on betraying His Master, the enemy held sway over his heart. He entered in as one vested with authority and as master of the house! He found a dark kingdom ready to receive the head of the realm. * You have chosen him to be a disciple and entrusted him with the money box. You granted him to work miracles just as the other disciples… In your tenderness, you concealed his name and did not humiliate him publicly. Hoping he would retreat from his evil, Furthermore, you bowed down to wash his feet. You dipped the Bread in the plate and offered to feed him out of Your hand, And no one suspected him! * Humbly, you carried out the task of slaves. You removed your outer cloths, and tied your waist with a towel You were not embarrassed to fill the basin with water And You were not ashamed to wash your disciples’ feet. You began to wash their soiled feet with water In order to wash our hearts and consciences with Your holy blood. Who dares to take your place, O You who have washed the feet of mankind! * May I be bold and share your love. In your tenderness, allow me to receive this honor Allow me to gladly wash the feet of my fellowmen who have wronged me! My heart lovingly washes each deed that seems evil. With your Holy Spirit, my heart expands to embrace everyone in it My heart grooms as it yearns to see all feet pure and sanctified. * Purify me wholly with water and the fiery Spirit in the baptismal waters When will I see the whole world pure and sanctified in You? May Your hand wash me from every daily corruption! May You wash, O Lord, all the feet of Your believers. * Judas went out at night with a darkened heart to accomplish deeds of darkness. The disciples remained with you, O True Light They had true love, for they followed Your example For darkness cannot invade a heart that is occupied by love. * Peter yearned to follow You wherever You would go The poor man failed to realize his weak potentials! He imagined he could lay down his life on Your behalf https://coptic-treasures.com/ He could not comprehend that he could not make an offering before you had offered Yourself first on his behalf … You clearly revealed his weakness to him And you filled his heart with amazing hope. You announced to him that he would ultimately follow You When he too would be crucified with You for the rest of his life And when he would die as a martyr for the sake of Your Holy Name! * You know me, O my Redeemer, more than I know myself! You are my support, Fulfilling all the desires of my heart! May Your hand wash my heart daily, O Lord, So that Satan’s traps would fail to catch me And the enemy would fail to reign in my heart. Your Words spread rays of light over me… Therefore the kingdom of darkness will fail to creep within me. Amen
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