John 13:12

So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

So {G3767} after {G3753} he had washed {G3538} their {G846} feet {G4228}, and {G2532} had taken {G2983} his {G846} garments {G2440}, and was set down {G377} again {G3825}, he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Know ye {G1097} what {G5101} I have done {G4160} to you {G5213}?

After he had washed their feet, taken back his clothes and returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you?

When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His outer garments, He reclined with them again and asked, “Do you know what I have done for you?

So when he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, and sat down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

Commentary

After the profoundly symbolic act of washing His disciples' feet, Jesus, the Lord and Master, resumed His place and posed a direct, penetrating question: "Know ye what I have done to you?" This verse marks a pivotal moment, shifting from the extraordinary action of servanthood to its crucial interpretation and application.

Context of John 13:12

This verse is set during the Last Supper, specifically after Jesus had just performed the humble act of washing the feet of His twelve disciples, including Judas Iscariot. In Jewish culture, footwashing was a task typically performed by the lowest servant in a household to guests, especially after a journey. For Jesus, the Teacher and Lord, to perform this task for His followers was a shocking reversal of roles, an act of extreme humility that left the disciples bewildered and, in Peter's case, initially resistant (John 13:8).

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Master's Humility: Jesus' act of washing feet powerfully demonstrates His divine humility and selfless love. He, who was God, took on the form of a servant (Philippians 2:7), setting an unparalleled example for His followers.
  • Preparation for Instruction: The question "Know ye what I have done to you?" is not a search for information but a rhetorical device. It's designed to prompt the disciples to reflect deeply on the significance of His actions, preparing their hearts and minds for the profound spiritual lessons He is about to impart concerning mutual servanthood and love.
  • Symbolism of Cleansing and Service: While a physical act, the footwashing also carried spiritual implications, signifying the ongoing need for spiritual cleansing and the call to humble service within the community of believers.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "Know ye what I have done to you?" is ginōskete ti pepoieka hymin? The verb ginōskete (know ye) implies a deeper, experiential knowledge or understanding, not just intellectual recognition. Jesus was asking if they truly grasped the profound meaning and implications of His actions, not merely if they observed the physical act. This challenges them to move beyond superficial observation to spiritual comprehension.

Practical Application

John 13:12 serves as a timeless challenge to believers today. It calls us to:

  1. Reflect on Christ's Example: We are to ponder the depth of Jesus' humility and love, allowing it to transform our own attitudes and actions.
  2. Embrace Humble Service: Just as Jesus served, we are called to serve one another, not seeking recognition or status, but motivated by genuine love and humility (John 13:14). This service often involves tasks that are unseen, uncomfortable, or considered beneath us.
  3. Seek Deeper Understanding: The verse encourages us to continually ask ourselves if we truly understand the spiritual truths of Christ's life and teaching, moving beyond mere head knowledge to a heart-level transformation that impacts our daily lives.

This verse sets the stage for Jesus' explicit command for His disciples to follow His example of humble servanthood, a cornerstone of Christian living.

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Cross-References

  • John 13:7 (4 votes)

    Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

  • John 13:4 (3 votes)

    He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

  • Ezekiel 24:24 (2 votes)

    Thus Ezekiel is unto you a sign: according to all that he hath done shall ye do: and when this cometh, ye shall know that I [am] the Lord GOD.

  • Matthew 13:51 (1 votes)

    Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.

  • Ezekiel 24:19 (1 votes)

    And the people said unto me, Wilt thou not tell us what these [things are] to us, that thou doest [so]?

  • Mark 4:13 (0 votes)

    And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?