John 13:12-15

The application of the washing of feet to the disciples: V. 12. So after He had washed their. feet, and had taken His garments, and was set down again, He said unto to them, Know ye what I have done to you? V. 13. Ye call Me Master and Lord; and ye say well; for so I am. V. 14. If I, then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet. V. 15. For I have given you an example that ye should do as I have done to re you.

Jesus finished His self-imposed, deliberate task; He wanted it impressed upon the memories of the disciples. He then took His upper garments once more, He put them on, He reclined once more in His place as the head of the household. Then He broke the silence by asking them whether they had perceived the meaning of His action.

The Lord's own action had been symbolical, but incidentally it served as an example which they should emulate. They gave Him the honoring title of Master or Lord, and He did not repudiate the appellation, but rather asserted His full right to bear these names. He is the great Lord, come from heaven; He is the great Teacher of all men, at all times. If He, therefore, did not consider Himself too good or too dignified to perform this humble service for them, they, in turn, should not hesitate about following His example. They are to apply His example to the acts of love and service which they owe to their neighbor.

The reference is on to all acts of kindness and charity, and, under circumstances, the very act which Jesus performed for the disciples might well be included in that list, 1 Tim. 5, 10.