Clean and unclean were often used terms among Jewish priests. The priests were tasked with the work of helping God’s people to discern between that which was considered clean in God’s sight and that which was not. Clean is synonymous with holy and unclean is synonymous with sinful. Here, Jesus applies “not clean” to the disciple who was about to betray Him.
“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.’
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.’” [2]
The most grievous sin against love is betrayal. Betrayal is unclean in God’s sight. Especially, betrayal of His Son who gave His life as a ransom for our sins. This is a sin that we should pray that the Holy Spirit will convict us not to commit: “Holy Spirit, please graciously grant us the gift of repentance to repent of not steadfastly loving our Savior Jesus Christ as we should.”
After announcing His betrayal, and after His betrayer Judas Iscariot left the room, Jesus said to the remnant, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” [3]
“Dear Heavenly Father, please help us to be faithful in love towards You, towards Your Son Jesus Christ, and towards those who are our fellow disciples. May You be glorified in us! In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.”
[1] John 13:11
[2] John 13:18, 21
[3] John 13:34-35
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