New Testament

ENGL 101 (Exegesis paper- Intro & background)

Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet (John 13:1-17)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+13%3A1-17&version=NIV;CCB

1 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.

3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God;

4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.

5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.”

11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not everyone was clean.

12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place.

“Do you understand what I have done for you?” Jesus asked them.

13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.

14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.

15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.

17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”

Analysis questions

1. When was it (Time)? It was just before the Passover Festival

2. What was happening (Event)? The evening meal was in progress/

3. Which characters appear in this story? Peter and Jesus… disciples

4. What did Jesus teach his disciples? Serving others and loving others by setting an example.

5. What is your big impression (main idea/theme from this story)? Jesus’ caring heart to His disciples

6. Which verses imply big impression for His disciples?

13:4-5 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.

5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him

14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.

15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

Introduction

1) Hook (optional)

2) General sentence focus on explaining your BIG IMPRESSION on the topic/ character.

3) Specific sentence stating the importance of understanding your BIG IMPRESSION.

It is significant to study principles of humility from the Bible stories because …

4) Thesis statement

Thesis Pattern:

[Biblical passage] shows/demonstrates/reveals/highlights + BIG IMPRESSION + through the following events/characters/symbols: ________, ________, and ________.

The book of John 13:1-17 demonstrates compassion for the followers through the following events: Jesus preparing for feet washing, Jesus answering to Peter, and giving lessons to the disciples.

Background Paragraph (6-8 sentences)

· Give the researched information on your Bible story.

1) Historical or cultural context (2-3 sentences)

2) Author of the book (1)

3) Genre (1)

4) Summary of the story (2-3 sentences)

· Transition sentence needed using a synonym of BIG IMPRESSION.

· Paraphrase the researched ideas with an in-text citation. Do not use “direct quotations”.

Paraphrasing Activity

1) Historical context:

Washing feet: act of humility https://bible.org/article/believer-and-daily-cleansing-john-131-17 “Foot washing was needed in every home in Palestine. Why? Not only were the streets dusty and dirty, but they usually contained garbage and the waste from the animals who traveled up and down the same streets. People wore sandals without socks and their feet could become very dirty. The custom was to recline around the table at the evening meal. Dirty, smelly feet could make the meal and the fellowship rather uninviting. Slaves were usually provided to wash the feet of guests, and it was a mark of honor for a host to provide a servant to wash a guest’s feet.”

In-direct quotation: Paraphrase the quote above in 2-3 sentences (citation needed).

2) Book author and genre:

The book of John is written by… (citation).

3) Summary of your story

John 13 describes… (John 13 NIV).

4) Transition sentence: Re-state the big impression using a synonym.

Therefore, humble service of Jesus is revealed in the book of John 13:1-17 through different events.

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