The Pulpit Commentary on John 13:12-17

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

The explanation of the washing of the disciples feet.

I. THE ARGUMENT BY WHICH OUR LORD ENFORCES THE LESSON OF HIS ACT. "Know ye what I have done unto you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am." The titles the disciples gave to him have a decisive force.

1. As he is a Teacher, they were bound to learn in his school with all docility and meekness of wisdom.

2. As a Master, they were bound to give him subjection in all matters touching the conduct of life.

II. THE LESSON OF HIS ACT. "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye ought also to wash one another's feet."

1. There ought to be mutual condescension and mutual service among brethren. Our Lord utterly opposed the idea of hierarchical pretensions among them. Those who sought the highest place ought to do the meanest service.

2. Christ's example, which is always in a way of self-sacrifice, ought to be regarded as possessing an authoritative force. "For I have given you an example, that ye should do as i have done unto you."

(a) But why should it be done only once in a year? The act is to be constantly imitated by true disciples.

(b) Why should it be done only by the pope? It is to be done by all Christians one to another. The act is to be a token of humility, condescension, love, and patience.

3. The thought of the Lord's dignity ought to incline his servants to a ready acceptance of his example. "The servant is not greater than his Lord."

4. The blessedness of doing as welt as knowing. "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."

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