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Book of John - Chapter 13 - Verse 14

13:14
If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

Meaning

In this verse, Jesus is teaching his disciples about the importance of humility and service. By washing their feet, which was typically a task reserved for servants or the lowliest of individuals, Jesus was demonstrating the attitude of servanthood that his followers should embody. He was showing them that true leadership is not about exerting power or authority over others, but rather about serving others selflessly and with love. Jesus, as their Lord and Master, set the example for them to follow. By instructing his disciples to wash one another's feet, Jesus was emphasizing the importance of mutual respect, care, and humility within the Christian community. This act of service was meant to remind them that they should always be willing to serve one another, regardless of their social status or position. Through this simple yet powerful gesture, Jesus was teaching his disciples the value of putting others before oneself and the significance of expressing love through acts of humble service.

Theological Overview

In this powerful verse from the Gospel of John, Jesus instructs his disciples on the importance of humility and service. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the ultimate act of service and love that Jesus demonstrated by washing his disciples' feet. By taking on the role of a servant, Jesus set an example for his followers to follow, showing that true leadership is found in serving others. Through this act, Jesus also symbolically cleansed his disciples, preparing them for the ministry and teaching them a valuable lesson on humility. The word 'washed' in this verse carries the connotation of cleansing and purifying, illustrating the spiritual significance of this physical act. The word study reveals the depth of the lesson Jesus intended to impart to his disciples, emphasizing not just the act itself but the attitude of selflessness and love that should accompany it. This verse serves as a reminder for all believers to serve one another with humility and love, following the example set by Jesus himself.

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