John 13 and Revelation 13 and 14 - Comparing Thirty-Eight Verse Pairs

As those of you familiar with the content of this Website know I have held a deep interest in the thematic patterns in the scriptures for some time. As I study selected passages in this way it is like mining for precious gems deep underneath the surface, and the Lord often grants insight I would otherwise have missed, or understood less fully. Such projects always keep me mindful of the Lord's amazing work of the recording of His word, which, as it is written, He has magnified above all His name. (Psalm 138:2)

There's a really fascinating connection between two passages of scripture that are both completely relevant in this present season! Concerning two of the books that were recorded by the apostle John, the Gospel of John and the book of Revelation, some observant students have noted a correspondance between the 13th chapter of each. When I recently began to apply myself to searching out the matter I was surprised to discover how closely they compare. As I saw elements of verse 1 of John 13 in verse 1 of Revelation 13, then, in this same way, in verses 2, 3 and 4, I wondered just how far this supernatural phenomenon might extend. I was also curious to learn whether their individual thematic patterns were related, and, if so, in what ways. So began a work that has borne some wonderful fruit!

Since I had during the previous Shemitah undertaken the rather ambitious project of discerning the structure of the entire chapter of Revelation 13, I thought I should best begin this project by pursuing the structure of John 13. Then, having that degree of familiarity with the message and meaning of the 13th chapter of John I would be better prepared for the work of matching John to Revelation, and would have the opportunity to approach that effort with the matter of how their individual thematic patterns might compare being settled in my mind.

While this project wasn't particularly high up on my list of pending projects, the Lord prompted me to engage with Him in this undertaking on the 13th day of the first month in 2008, which as you may recall was a really critical day of watching for the revealing of the lawless one. For that reason, it seemed odd the Lord would so engage me on this day, but it there was no doubt in my mind the Lord prospered the work - it was completed in a single day!

Those two works may be viewed in an interactive format here John 13 and here Revelation 13

When I began the process of comparing more verse pairings from John 13 and Revelation 13 and observed the ongoing trend of thematic correspondance it wasn't long before I came to consider the fact that there were 38 verses in one but only 18 in the other. That's not a very balanced match. I puzzled over that for a moment and considered this may well overflow into the next chapter. I was encouraged to continue when I noticed that Revelation 14 had 20 verses and that the 18 of Rev. 13 plus the 20 of Rev. 14 equalled the 38 of John 13!

I have not come to a conclusion about how far this sequential correspondence between the two books might go. I have quite obviously applied limited resources to this project, considering only these particular 38 verses. If you are so inclined, inspired by the spirit of the Lord, you may follow after this example. I believe there may be some chiasm to be found, as well. I believe any insight, any and all nuggets of truth the Lord desires to grant His servants is worthy of our attention.

What I have discovered is that there appears to be a unified message for our time. I have included in this presentation some commentary alongside each verse pairing that is simply "my commentary." You may take it before the throne for discernment, and perhaps you will receive insight beyond what I have written. That is my hope, as we together humbly seek His provision for us in this season.

Verse # John 13 Revelation 13-14 Commentary
One Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He would depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. And the dragon stood on the sand of the seashore. Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names. The Father vs. the dragon. Jesus departing the world - the end in sight vs. the beast coming - the beginning in sight. Baptism, death and resurrection activity. Love vs. offensive, grotesque and monstrous attributes.
Two During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him, And the beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion And the dragon gave him his power and his throne and great authority. The devil equipping Judas vs the dragon equipping the beast. The heart vs. the feet and mouth. During supper vs. beasts that devour men as prey.
Three Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, I saw one of his heads as if it had been slain, and his fatal wound was healed And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast; Resurrection! Genuine vs. Fake
Four got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself. they worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?" Action of those with authority from the true God, vs. counterfeit. Y'shua, serving, humbling self as least among servants vs. the fake, served, exalted and worshiped
Five Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. There was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies, and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him. Jesus acted quietly, having great authority yet serving with great humility. The beast, in contrast, spoke arrogant words and received authority.
Six So He came to Simon Peter. He said to Him, "Lord, do You wash my feet?" And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven. Simon Peter opened his mouth and spoke respectfully to the Lord. The beast opened his mouth disrespectfully to God.
Seven Jesus answered and said to him, "What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter." It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. What Jesus was doing by this act of mutual love and humility in washing the feet was to make them clean, which prepares and then qualifies His disciples to receive authority and exercise it among the saints. In contrast, the beast, through hatred and utter lack of humility, exercises the authority granted him to war against the saints and overcome them. When Jesus refers to their not realizing "now" but rather understanding hereafter, it speaks to me in particular about those of us in these last days who are either actively washing feet, according to His command and example, or not. I believe those who participate faithfully are preparing and will be overcomers, not counting our own lives so dear.
Eight Peter said to Him, "Never shall You wash my feet!" Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me." All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain. The harmony in this pairing seems quite obvious! Those who are not washed and therefore have no part with Him compares to everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.
Nine Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head." If anyone has an ear, let him hear. Body parts. The name "Simon" means "hearing." If you have an ear to hear, do you presently share Simon Peter's zeal and passionate desire to share "in every part" with Him?
Ten Jesus said to him, "He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you." If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints. Those whose feet are washed are the saints who will display the perseverance and faith exhibited here. If you see persecution coming and intend to take up arms in expectation of offering resistance, don't. Trust in the Lord, and commit yourself fully into His care. Accept His provision for you, whatever it may be and whenever it may come. The ability of the saints to persevere and have faith is, I believe, directly related to being washed with water by the Word and becoming completely clean. I believe this is an urgent message, and a personal message.
Eleven For He knew the one who was betraying Him; for this reason He said, "Not all of you are clean." Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb and he spoke as a dragon. The unclean one referenced was like a lamb because he came from among the Lamb of God's flock. Yet, it was the dragon, or, Satan, that entered into him. This second beast seen coming up out of the earth is a Roman Catholic Pope. Such a man appeals to the flesh, the carnal, the earthy nature of man. Claiming to be the vicar of Christ, (the Lamb of God) and, wearing a headpiece called a "two horned mitre," he has two horns like a lamb. The dragon speaks as though he is the ultimate authority with a temporary grant of power to deceive in this very matter, and so it is with the Pope! Strong evidence points to the current Pope Benedict XVI as this very beast. An attribute of a lamb this pope took upon himself may be noted from the transcript of the Homily given during the mass for the inaguration of his pontificate, dated April 24, 2005. In it, a large percentage of the address was devoted to the symbolism of the lamb and the shepherd, represented in the item he wore called the Pallium which was woven in pure wool and placed on his shoulders. Despite his claims, he is as a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Twelve So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence And he makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. Like verses 7. What Jesus was doing by washing the feet was to make them clean, which is required for them to receive authority and exercise it in the body of saints - and the true God will receive worship.
Thirteen "You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the presence of men. The spiritual authority is manifest.
Fourteen "If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had the wound of the sword and has come to life. A command is issued to give honor to another.
Fifteen "For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. And it was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast would even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed. A living example that speaks and brings life vs. a life-like image that speaks and brings death
Sixteen "Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, The lesser and the greater: slave and master vs. free men and slaves, small and great, rich and poor. How authority is exercised.
Seventeen "If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. If you know the things spoken of in John, AND DO THEM you are blessed. If you don't know and do them and consequently receive the mark of the beast, you are cursed.
Eighteen "I do not speak of all of you I know the ones I have chosen; but it is that the Scripture may be fulfilled, 'HE WHO EATS MY BREAD HAS LIFTED UP HIS HEEL AGAINST ME.' Here is wisdom Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six. Breaking bread and eating bread symbolizes the giving and receiving of understanding. (See The Feeding of the Five Thousand) Judas Iscariot was the one who ate his bread and lifted up his heel against Y'shua. He, as the one doomed to destruction, typified the other one referred to in the Bible as the one doomed to destruction, the lawless one, who is the beast whose mark is referenced here. Another feature is worthy of note here as an example of the divine oversight of verse numbering. The number of these verses, 18, is the sum of three sixes: 6+6+6, which is obviously related to the sum of 600 60 and 6, the numbers as they emerge from the Greek text. (chi xi stigma | χ=600 ξ=60 ς=6) These two numbers are further related as 18 x 37 = 666.
Nineteen (14:1) "From now on I am telling you before it comes to pass, so that when it does occur, you may believe that I am He. Then I looked, and behold, the Lamb was standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His name and the name of His Father written on their foreheads. The Lamb seems to be speaking in John about the event in Revelation.
Twenty (14:2) "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me." And I heard a voice from heaven, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder, and the voice which I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps. We have in both an important announcement that contains two facets of one thing. Who receives one Jesus sent receives Jesus - Who receives one the Father sent receives the Father == Voice like many waters and loud thunder - Voice like the sound of harpists
Twenty-One (14:3) When Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit, and testified and said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, that one of you will betray Me." And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased from the earth. The number one (1 out of 12) vs the number one hundred forty-four thousand. (12 x 12 x 1000 out of all those in the earth) The one singled out in John betrayed the Lamb of God, a service purchased for silver - the price of blood. (Matthew 27:3-10) The number singled out in Revelation have themselves been purchased with the blood of the Lamb.
Twenty-Two (14:4) The disciples began looking at one another, at a loss to know of which one He was speaking. These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they have kept themselves chaste These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes These have been purchased from among men as first fruits to God and to the Lamb. Each continues with a stong connection to the preceding verse. In John the disciples are unable to discern the identity of the one. In Revelation we find a description that will enable for some disciples to discern the identity of the 144k.
Twenty-Three (14:5) There was reclining on Jesus' bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. And no lie was found in their mouth; they are blameless. The name of the disciple whom Jesus loved is John, who is a type of these 144k. Why are they so loved? Perhaps because no lie is found in their mouths and they are blameless.
Twenty-Four (14:6) So Simon Peter gestured to him, and said to him, "Tell us who it is of whom He is speaking." And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people; Peter is the one most particularly associated with the preaching of the gospel to every nation and tribe and tongue and people. He was the first of the apostles to do so, marking a major transition point. (See Acts 10 and 11) Simon Peter is a type of the "Gentile" Bride who is pictured in John 13:24 involved in a critical interaction with "John," the 144k sons of Israel. The fruit of this interaction will be comparable in scope and scale to what is pictured here.
Twenty-Five (14:7) He, leaning back thus on Jesus' bosom, said to Him, "Lord, who is it?" and he said with a loud voice, "Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters." Here is the next step in that interaction between Peter and John, which is to say the Bride and the 144 sons of Israel. The response to this query will be the revealing of the lawless one, which event will mark the hour God's judgment comes, and the result will be that men do indeed fear God, giving Him the glory and worship due Him as the Creator!
Twenty-Six (14:8) Jesus then answered, "That is the one for whom I shall dip the morsel and give it to him." So when He had dipped the morsel, He took and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. And another angel, a second one, followed, saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who has made all the nations drink of the wine of the passion of her immorality." The dipping (Greek: bapto) is a parable of the baptism of the one doomed to destruction, the counterfeit bread. This is the trigger event that marks the beginning of the fall of religious Babylon the Great, the household of God upon which, first, judgment begins. (See 1 Peter 4:17)
Twenty-Seven (14:9) After the morsel, Satan then entered into him. Therefore Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly." Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, When Satan enters the lawless one at his baptism it is the same event pictured in Revelation 13:1 (see top) as the beast coming out of the sea. It is this beast typified in Judas Iscariot that many will worship, receiving his mark.
As Satan "entered into" Judas, so it is that the mark of the beast will "enter into" its recipients at the injection of a microchip implant. That the mark is subdermal can be inferred from the Greek from the word for "mark" and from the meaning of the mark's number. The word for "mark" in verse 16 and 17 is the Greek word that is Strong's #5480: charagma, khar'-ag-mah; from the same as G5482; a scratch or etching, i.e. stamp (as a badge of servitude), or sculptured figure (statue):--graven, mark." The word or character with the value of 6 from the numbering 600 60 6 is Strong's #G4742: stigma, stig'-mah; from a prim. stizo (to "stick", i.e. prick); a mark incised or punched (for recognition of ownership), i.e. (fig.) scar of service:--mark. The circuits of microchips are created by etching. Do not let Satan enter into you in this manner, friend! Early versions of this device is already available on the open market and is being widely implemented in advance of the manifestation of the Beast's appearance and requirement.
Twenty-Eight (14:10) Now no one of those reclining at the table knew for what purpose He had said this to him. he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. The position of reclining prophetically points to a people yet future. Those in the very near future who fail to understand what that baptism event really means will not discern the danger. The failure of the saints to grasp the truth will be due to their lack of obedience not their lack of intelligence, and they will be judged harshly.
Twenty-Nine (14:11) For some were supposing, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus was saying to him, "Buy the things we have need of for the feast"; or else, that he should give something to the poor. "And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name." See the commentary for the previous verse. I believe the scriptures speak plainly about the Beast having control over the "money box" which control extends to most of world's food supply. (Acts 12:20) This is the provision for the feast which is food, and for the poor which includes housing and will include most everyone not serving in the higher ranks of the Beast system. It is for this provision, which means the sustenance of this physical life, that most of the world and many saints will choose to take the mark. It is their access point to the Beast's provisioning system. But, it will be VERY COSTLY for the torment will be severe and endure long. As it is written: "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it." (Matthew 16:25)
Thirty (14:12) So after receiving the morsel he went out immediately; and it was night. Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. Yes, Lord. Amen! Be prepared for great trial of faith, saints, because night comes quickly now. Keep His commands! There's a contrast in the time elements - immediately / perserverance
Thirty-One (14:13) Therefore when he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him; And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, "Write, 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!'" "Yes," says the Spirit, "so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them." In both John and Revelation, what is spoken indentifies the moment as a point of transition. "Now is..." and "from now on" are the equivilent phrases. These verses are so amazingly matched! The words in Revelation certainly apply to Y'shua as the events had just been set in motion that would result not two days hence in the Lord's own death. And He is blessed, and was glorified! Those who follow the example of the son of Man, will they not also be glorified, and God glorified in them? These verses speak of martyrdom. Persecution will reign!
Thirty-Two (14:14) if God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him immediately. Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and sitting on the cloud was one like a son of man, having a golden crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand. And here appears the Glorified One!
Thirty-Three (14:15) "Little children, I am with you a little while longer You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, 'Where I am going, you cannot come.' And another angel came out of the temple, crying out with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, "Put in your sickle and reap, for the hour to reap has come, because the harvest of the earth is ripe." In John, Y'shua referred to death on a cross when He said "Where I am going, you cannot come." The sickle used to reap at the harvest of the earth relates to such a death on a cross. It is the end of the road as both judgment and resurrection are brought forth. I believe the comment about this matter having already been said to the Jews will become a striking revelation.
Thirty-Four (14:16) "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. Then He who sat on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth, and the earth was reaped. Those upon whom judgment comes at this time will receive as it were a new commandment, one that had not been known previously due to their rejection of the truth. It seems to me this reaping will bear great witness to the love those just resurrected will have had for one another.
Thirty-Five (14:17) "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, and he also had a sharp sickle. Until the next harvest in sequence comes there will be an abiding memory of the love those taken in resurrection had for one another.
Thirty-Six (14:18) Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, where are You going?" Jesus answered, "Where I go, you cannot follow Me now; but you will follow later." Then another angel, the one who has power over fire, came out from the altar; and he called with a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, "Put in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, because her grapes are ripe." Peter did follow later where Y'shua had gone, as he died a martyr, crucified on a cross upside-down. The harvest of grapes is at Sukkot, the final harvest, reserved for those who had denied the Lord and failed to repent.
Thirty-Seven (14:19) Peter said to Him, "Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You." So the angel swung his sickle to the earth and gathered the clusters from the vine of the earth, and threw them into the great wine press of the wrath of God. Peter here is symbolic of the church that denied the Lord, as seen in the following verse pairing. This is not an honorable end. You must not merely say you will lay down your life. You must lay it down.
Thirty-Eight (14:20) Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly, I say to you, a rooster will not crow until you deny Me three times. And the wine press was trodden outside the city, and blood came out from the wine press, up to the horses' bridles, for a distance of two hundred miles. This is indeed a view of the crowing of the rooster, the blowing of the trumpet that signals a resurrection and a judgment. It is the very event that follows the three time denial. Such is the reward for those who deny the Lord and cling to this earthly life, refusing to lay it down. The life of the flesh is in the blood, according to Genesis 9:4 and Leviticus 17:11. Your life is required of you. Give it willingly and it will not be forcefully taken from you. Give it willingly and you will have reward instead of forfeiting what could have been yours.