John 13:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.

NIV: I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

NASB: For I gave you an example, so that you also would do just as I did for you.

CSB: For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you.

NLT: I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.

KJV: For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

NKJV: For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.

This statement is sandwiched between two references to Jesus' supreme authority. When Jesus approached Peter to wash his feet, Peter was scandalized (John 13:6–8). In that era, washing another's feet was an act of submission and humility. The idea that a master would do that to His own servant was unthinkable to someone in Peter's culture. At first, it would appear to contradict the idea of Christ as the Lord and Master.

Jesus clarifies that He's not denying His supremacy (John 13:13). Jesus fully accepts the idea that He is their Lord. That lordship is the point of what He did. The natural human perspective is to look at some types of service or love and say, "that's beneath me." This is especially true when we somehow feel more important or more valuable than others. By acting out humble, sacrificial, servanthood Jesus lowers the "beneath me" line all the way to the floor. Loving service to others is something no believer can brush off as unworthy of their time.

Here, Jesus also explicitly states that what He's done is meant to be an example. He does not mean that all Christians are obligated to literally, physically wash the feet of others. The implication goes far beyond a ritual. The point is that those who "follow" Christ ought to "follow" His example in humility and service.

John 13:12–20 is Jesus' explanation of His humble act: washing the feet of the disciples. Christ freely accepts His role as Lord and master, using those concepts to drive home His main point. Those who claim the name of Jesus ought to follow His example. That means humility and service for others—if the Lord serves others, so too should those who follow Him. Jesus also points out that not everyone at this event truly follows Him. This prediction is given to strengthen the faith of true believers once everything has been revealed. The following passage expands on the impending betrayal.

Jesus meets with a smaller group, possibly only the twelve disciples, in a private setting. Before eating a meal, Jesus performs the work of a lowly servant, washing the feet of the disciples. He explains that this is an object lesson. Their Lord is willing to serve in humility, so they are obligated to do the same. Jesus also predicts His impending betrayal, subtly telling Judas to leave and complete His conspiracy. The disciples don't realize what's happened, however. Peter foolishly brags about his loyalty. Jesus responds with a cutting prediction: Peter will deny his relationship to Christ three times in the next few hours.

The first twelve chapters of the gospel of John describe the public ministry of Jesus. Starting in chapter 13, most of what John describes are the last private moments Jesus enjoys prior to His crucifixion. This begins with Jesus washing the disciples' feet, establishing both an example and a command for humble service. Jesus also predicts His impending betrayal and Peter's cowardly denials. Following chapters contain Jesus' last instructions to the disciples, including a rich collection of truths which are central to the Christian faith.

The gospel of John was written by the disciple John, decades later than the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The author assumes that a reader is already familiar with the content of these other works. So, John presents a different perspective, with a greater emphasis on meaning. John uses seven miracles—which he calls “signs”—in order to prove that Jesus is, in fact, God incarnate. Some of the most well-known verses in all of the Bible are found here. None is more famous than the one-sentence summary of the gospel found in John 3:16.