John 13:14-17 (WEL) “If I, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also must wash one another’s feet. 15 “I have given you an example, so that you must do what I have done to you. 16 “Very truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his lord, nor the one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. 17 “If you know these things, how happy you are if you do them.
V14 “If I, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also must wash one another’s feet.
The Greek word for must, ought, is G3784 ὀφείλω opheílō, which means (Word Study Dictionary) to or be indebted to, thus obligated to do something required by law or duty. This does not appear to be a suggestion but an obligation to fulfill. I must help others even if it is “below my pay grade.” It may be a spiritual, emotional, or physical duty. It can be literally washing feet or helping a homebound person who has occasional incontinence. It is showing compassion, concern, and love.
It may be used in being hospitable: (Bridge Bible Dictionary) “Most people in Bible times recognized that they had a responsibility to practice hospitality. The custom was to welcome both friends and strangers and to give them food, water, and other provisions to make them comfortable (Genesis 18:1-8; Genesis 24:32; Exodus 2:20; Deuteronomy 10:18-19; Deuteronomy 23:4; Judges 13:15; Judges 19:16-21; 2 Kings 4:8; Job 31:32; Luke 7:44-45; Acts 9:43; Acts 16:15). A mark of special honour was to wash the guest’s feet or to anoint the head with oil (Psalm 23:5; Luke 7:37-38; Luke 7:44-46). Hosts were responsible to protect all those who stayed with them (Genesis 19:1-11; Judges 19:22-23).”
It may be used to honor someone, bless someone, and many other reasons. It is not a ritual to receive grace; it is a practice to honor our brothers and sisters.
V15 “I have given you an example, so that you must do what I have done to you.
Principle: Jesus leads the way. One way is to lead by example. This is good advice for leaders, parents, spouses, Christian brothers and sisters, etc.
Note, it is not a suggestion but an obligation.
V16 “Very truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his lord, nor the one who is sent greater than the one who sent him.
Jesus is Lord and is supreme (Colossians 1:18, Revelation 19:16, and Colossians 2:10). If the one who is supreme and above all, washes feet, then so should we. We have no excuses. We can humble ourselves to do this.
V17 “If you know these things, how happy you are if you do them.
Principle: We must be taught to know, and if we know, we must do. God notices these things and is happy. If God is happy, then we and the recipients are happy, too. Compare Matthew 22:26, Philippians 2:3, and Romans 12:10.
We learn?
- How to serve Jesus by helping and serving others.
- How to lead and teach by example.
Questions:
- How do you serve fellow Christians?
- Do you lead and teach by example?