John 13:18-20

Joh 13:18 “It is not about all of you that I am saying this; I know those whom I have chosen. But it is so the Scripture can be fulfilled: The one who gnaws my bread has raised his heel against me.
Joh 13:19 I am telling you just now before it happens, so that you will believe when it does happen that I am he.
Joh 13:20 I honestly tell you, whoever takes anyone I send takes me, and the one who takes me takes him who sent me.”

Identifying with Jesus — good or bad

Here is the revised reflection with all second‑person references removed, while keeping the devotional tone and theological clarity:

This narrative highlights how easily the significance of a word can be obscured when translators render it differently each time it appears. The Greeks approached Philip requesting an audience with Jesus, addressing Philip with the honorific title “Lord” (12:21). Most English translations soften it to “Sir.” Later, Jesus refers to Himself as “Lord and Teacher” (13:13–14). Then He adds that a slave is not greater than his lord—often translated “master” (13:16). John uses the same word (κύριος) in each of these verses.

John 13:16 also reveals a related issue. The word δοῦλος (“slave”) is frequently translated “servant,” and so is the word διάκονος (“manager,” “attendant,” “minister”). Both can be translated “servant,” but they should not be when they are being contrasted with one another.

John’s point—and Jesus’—is that believers may hold many different leadership roles and responsibilities, but all share one identity: slaves of one Lord. And that Lord has provided a model of sacrificial service that defines true greatness in His kingdom.

Lord, grant the wisdom to live as faithful slaves of one Lord, shaped by the example of Your sacrificial servant‑hood.