John 13:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} I have given {G1325} you {G5213} an example {G5262}, that {G2443} ye {G5210} should do {G4160} as {G2531}{G2532} I {G1473} have done {G4160} to you {G5213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For I have set you an example, so that you may do as I have done to you.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 13:15, Jesus concludes His profound act of washing the disciples' feet by explicitly stating its purpose: to provide a tangible model for their own conduct. This verse serves as a foundational command for Christian discipleship, urging believers to embody the same humble, self-sacrificial service that Christ Himself demonstrated. It transforms a surprising act of humility into a universal principle for life within the community of faith and beyond, emphasizing active imitation of the Lord's character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [John 13:15](/john/13-15 "John 13:15 - Jesus's Example of Humility") is situated immediately after Jesus's deeply symbolic act of washing His disciples' feet during the Last Supper. The preceding verses ([John 13:1-11](/john/13-1-11 "John 13:1-11 - Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet")) detail the shocking scene where the Lord and Master takes on the role of a household servant, performing a task typically reserved for the lowest of the household staff. This act is deliberately performed by Jesus, who "knew that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God" ([John 13:3](/john/13-3 "John 13:3 - Jesus's Divine Authority")). His interaction with Peter, who initially resists the washing, highlights the disciples' misunderstanding of the spiritual significance of the act, which Jesus promises they will understand "hereafter" ([John 13:7](/john/13-7 "John 13:7 - Peter's Initial Resistance")). Verse 15, therefore, serves as Jesus's direct explanation and application of this visual parable, transitioning from the action to the imperative for His followers. It sets the stage for the subsequent discourse on love and mutual service that defines the new commandment given in [John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - The New Commandment").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel and the broader Greco-Roman world, foot-washing was a common practice due to dusty roads and open sandals. It was a customary act of hospitality, but always performed by a servant or a person of lower status for a guest or superior. For a master, especially a revered teacher like Jesus, to wash the feet of His disciples was an unprecedented reversal of social hierarchy and a profound act of humility. This act would have been deeply shocking and even scandalous to the disciples, as evidenced by Peter's protest. Understanding this cultural norm is crucial to grasping the radical nature of Jesus's example. It challenged prevailing notions of leadership, status, and honor, positioning humility and service, rather than power and prestige, as the hallmarks of true greatness within God's kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** [John 13:15](/john/13-15 "John 13:15 - Jesus's Example of Humility") powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to John's Gospel and Christian theology. The most prominent is **Servant Leadership**, where Jesus redefines authority not as dominion but as humble service, a concept He articulates elsewhere, such as in [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"). This act also underscores the theme of **Humility**, presenting it as an essential virtue for those who follow Christ, directly contrasting the world's pursuit of power and self-exaltation. Furthermore, the verse introduces the theme of **Imitation of Christ**, establishing Jesus's life and actions as the definitive pattern for His disciples. It is a call to active discipleship, where believers are not merely to admire Jesus but to emulate His character and conduct. Finally, it lays the groundwork for the **New Commandment of Mutual Love and Service** ([John 13:34](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - The New Commandment")), demonstrating practically how believers are to love one another by serving each other with humility.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Example (Greek, _hypódeigma'_):** (G5262) This word signifies a pattern, a model, or an exhibit for imitation. It is not merely a suggestion but a template or blueprint. Jesus is not offering a casual illustration; He is providing a definitive standard for His disciples' conduct. It implies something to be looked at and then replicated.
* **Given (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** (G1325) This verb means "to give" in a very wide application, often implying a bestowal or delivery. Here, it emphasizes that Jesus deliberately and intentionally presented this example. It was a conscious act of instruction, a gift of understanding, and a clear directive for future behavior, not an accidental occurrence.
* **Do (Greek, _poiéō'_):** (G4160) This verb means "to make or do" and implies active performance and execution. It's a call to action, emphasizing that the disciples are not just to understand or admire Jesus's act but to actively perform similar acts of service. It demands practical, tangible imitation, not just passive understanding or admiration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I have given you an example,"**: Jesus explicitly states the purpose of His preceding action. The foot-washing was not an isolated event or a mere demonstration of His power, but a deliberate "example" or "pattern" (hypódeigma). This clause establishes Jesus as the authoritative model, whose actions are meant to be observed and understood as a standard for His followers. The "For" (gár) links this explanation directly to the preceding act, providing the rationale behind His humble service.
* **"that ye should do as I have done to you."**: This is the imperative, the command that flows directly from the example. The purpose clause "that ye should do" (hína poiéō) underscores the mandatory nature of the imitation. Disciples are called to replicate the spirit and substance of Jesus's humble service in their own interactions. The phrase "as I have done to you" specifies the manner and quality of the action – it is to be a direct reflection of Christ's own self-emptying love and service, not merely any act of kindness, but one characterized by profound humility and a disregard for personal status.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Didacticism** is paramount, as Jesus explicitly teaches and instructs His disciples through both action and word. The foot-washing itself functions as a powerful **Symbolism**, representing not only humble service but also the spiritual cleansing and self-emptying love that characterizes Jesus's entire ministry, culminating in His atoning death. The phrase "an example" serves as a **Metaphor** or **Analogy**, presenting Jesus's act as a blueprint or template for the disciples' future conduct. Furthermore, there is a clear element of **Imitation**, where the disciples are called to mirror the actions of their Master. This call to imitation is a core aspect of discipleship throughout the New Testament, emphasizing that following Christ involves not just belief in His teachings but active embodiment of His character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 13:15 is a cornerstone for understanding Christian discipleship, revealing that true greatness in God's kingdom is measured by humble service, not worldly power or status. Jesus, the Lord and Master, deliberately lowered Himself to perform the task of a slave, thereby overturning conventional hierarchies and establishing a radical new paradigm for leadership and community life. This act foreshadows His ultimate act of self-giving on the cross, where He fully emptied Himself for the salvation of humanity. Theologically, it connects the practical outworking of love to the very nature of God, who is revealed in Christ as the Servant King. It teaches that our service to one another is not merely a good deed, but an active participation in the divine nature, reflecting the love that flows from the Trinity. This verse challenges believers to continually examine their motives and actions, ensuring that they are driven by the same self-sacrificial love and humility that Jesus demonstrated.

* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")
* [1 Peter 2:21](/1_peter/2-21 "1 Peter 2:21 - Christ Our Example")
* [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 13:15 is not merely a historical account of Jesus's actions but a timeless mandate for every follower of Christ. It calls us to move beyond passive admiration of Jesus's humility to active, intentional imitation. In a world that often values self-promotion, power, and personal gain, this verse challenges us to embrace a counter-cultural ethic of service. It compels us to seek out opportunities to serve others, especially those who are marginalized, overlooked, or unable to reciprocate. This service is not to be done grudgingly or for recognition, but with a genuine heart of humility, seeing the needs of others as paramount. It means being willing to "get our hands dirty" in practical ways, whether in our homes, workplaces, communities, or churches, without regard for personal status or comfort. Ultimately, living out this verse transforms our relationships, fostering a community where love is expressed through tangible acts of self-giving, mirroring the very heart of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I called to humble myself and serve others, even when it feels inconvenient or beneath me?**
* **How does my understanding of leadership need to be reshaped by Jesus's example of foot-washing?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to "do as I have done to you" in my family, church, or community?**
* **How does my willingness to serve reflect my true understanding and love for Christ?**

### FAQ

**What is the deeper meaning of Jesus washing the disciples' feet, beyond just an act of humility?**

Answer: Beyond a simple act of humility, Jesus's washing of the disciples' feet in [John 13:1-11](/john/13-1-11 "John 13:1-11 - Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet") carries profound theological significance. Firstly, it symbolizes spiritual cleansing and the necessity of being "clean every whit" through Christ's work, as alluded to in His interaction with Peter ([John 13:8-10](/john/13-8-10 "John 13:8-10 - Peter's Reluctance and Jesus's Reply")). Secondly, it serves as a living parable of His entire ministry, culminating in His ultimate act of self-sacrifice on the cross, where He "emptied himself" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ Empties Himself")) to cleanse humanity from sin. Thirdly, it establishes the new kingdom ethic of servant leadership, where true authority is demonstrated through self-giving love rather than worldly power. Finally, it provides a tangible "example" ([John 13:15](/john/13-15 "John 13:15 - Jesus's Example of Humility")) for His followers, demonstrating how they are to love and serve one another, reflecting the very nature of God.

**Is the command in John 13:15 to be interpreted literally, meaning Christians should regularly wash each other's feet?**

Answer: While some Christian traditions practice literal foot-washing as an ordinance or act of remembrance, the primary interpretation of Jesus's command in [John 13:15](/john/13-15 "John 13:15 - Jesus's Example of Humility") focuses on the *spirit* and *principle* behind the act. Jesus's example calls believers to embody radical humility, self-sacrificial service, and a willingness to perform tasks that are considered lowly or undesirable for the benefit of others. The emphasis is on the attitude of heart and the practical outworking of love, rather than the specific ritual itself. The core message is that believers are to emulate Christ's willingness to humble Himself and serve others, putting their needs before our own, just as He did. This principle applies to all areas of life, urging us to seek opportunities for humble service in our families, churches, workplaces, and communities, reflecting the love taught in [John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - The New Commandment").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 13:15 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in Jesus providing a moral example, but in His very identity and redemptive work. The act of foot-washing, as a demonstration of profound humility and service, foreshadows the greater work of Christ on the cross. Just as He stooped to cleanse His disciples' feet, He, as the Lamb of God, stooped to bear the sin of the world, offering His life as the ultimate sacrifice to cleanse humanity from spiritual defilement ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His example of service in [John 13](/john/13 "John 13 - Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet") is not just a pattern for our behavior, but an outpouring of the divine love that propelled Him to the cross for our redemption. He is the one who came "not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Therefore, when we are commanded to "do as I have done to you," we are called to participate in the very character of the God who humbled Himself to save us, reflecting His self-giving love that was perfectly displayed in His life, death, and resurrection ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). Our service to others becomes an act of worship, a living testament to the One who served us supremely.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 11:29

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

1 John 2:6

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

1 Peter 2:21

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Ephesians 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

1 Peter 3:17

For [it is] better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

1 Peter 3:18

¶ For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

Romans 15:5

¶ Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: