And the Saviour had still another purpose. He had not withheld His ministry from him whom He knew to be a traitor. The disciples did not understand His words when He said at the feet washing, "Ye are not all clean," nor yet when at the table He declared, "He that eateth bread with Me hath lifted up his heel against Me." John 13:11, 18. But afterward, when His meaning was made plain, they had something to consider as to the patience and mercy of God toward the most grievously erring.

Og Frelseren havde også et andet formål. Han havde ikke udelukket ham, som han vidste var en forræder, fra sin tjeneste. Disciplene forstod ikke hans ord, dengang han ved fodtvætningen sagde: "I er ikke alle rene", og heller ikke, da han ved bordet sagde: "Den, som spiser mit brød, har løftet sin hæl imod mig." Joh. 13,11 og 18. Men senere hen, da betydningen af hans ord blev tydelig, fik de noget at tænke over med hensyn til Guds tålmodighed og nåde over for den allermest vildfarne.