In his Gospel account, Mark records a pithy statement of Jesus’ messianic mission: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). John, however, gives us a holy drama to make that same point in Jesus washing the feet of His disciples (John 13:4-17).
But before Jesus lays aside His garments and takes up the towel and the basin of water, John sets the stage for His actions: “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God” (John 13:3).
John frames Christ’s drama in terms of His messianic mission. That mission is outlined in three ways, each in respect to the Father.
First, Jesus knew that the Father had given all things into His hands. At the very least, this means that Jesus is the one to whom God had entrusted the work of salvation. John explains the mission of the Son throughout his Gospel account, but it finds no more poignant expression than in our Lord’s prayer that concludes His time in the upper room.
Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17:1–3)
Second, Jesus had come from the Father. He departed heavenly glory to become a suffering servant. Paul lays it out for us: “who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Phil. 2:6–8). That humble service for the sake of others will soon be on display.
Third, Jesus was going to God. In view is Jesus carrying out the mission the Father had given Him. “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do” (John 17:4). By virtue of His redemptive mission, Jesus would be given all authority and would ascend in glory to represent those for whom He died and lives. He did not return to the Father empty-handed.
With this divine mission in view, Jesus would go on to act out a holy drama that would bring all eyes to Him.
How does John want us to understand the work of Jesus?
