St. John 13:13-14

Verse 13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. Jesus gave important ground work for verses 14-17. First, in verse 12, He asks, Do you know what I have done? The obvious answer from the context is, No. The second point is you call me Master and Lord! The question is raised is, “is this correct?” He answers the question with, Yes. He had been their (didaskalos, didaskalos, master or rabbi) teacher. He had been their Lord (Kurios, Kurios) is why the Lord said, for so I am. The words, I am, certainly brings an echo to biblical minds. It was the great, I am that sent Moses. A few hours later Jesus repeats these two powerful words. It was in the garden as the violent mob of men and officers approached Jesus. He asked, whom seek ye? They said, Jesus of Nazareth. He responded, in St. John 18:4-8, saying, I am. When Jesus spoke these words, all of them fell backwards onto the ground.

Jesus’ use of these words, I am, points to His eternal occupation as Master and Lord. The illustration of Feet Washing and His humble obedient death on the cross (Phil. 2:8) earns anew His position as Master and Lord. As His pupils and subjects, Christians are to be obedient to all the literal commands of the Master, obedience without question. Jesus instituted the ordinance of Washing the Saint’s Feet. This simple obedience is what cleansed Naaman from his leprosy. Simple obedience of this ordinance would help the church today of religious snobs.

Verse 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. Jesus asked the previous questions and then answered them. Now He gives one last supposition to drive His message clearly to the minds of His disciples. This message is a clear command to keep, do and observe this ordinance. Wash one another’s feet. It is true that the spiritual truths are of greater importance. These truths must be practiced or the keeping of the ordinance would be without meaning. The same is true, however, of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. No one should throw these away either. It must be remembered that the disciples still did not know these spiritual truths. Jesus told Peter in verse 7, Thou shalt know hereafter. The disciples only understood, practically, Wash one another’s feet. Jesus never tried to leave any other conclusion for them. He instituted the ordinance and commanded and stated you will know its truths later. They did understand after His death, burial, resurrection and especially after the Holy Spirit came.

Ye Ought[1] (ofeilete, opheilete) is imperative. The root word ought (ofeivlw, opheilo) is used in Matthew 18:30. It means a debt that must be paid. In Matthew 18:30 the debt had not been paid. The person went to prison. The word translated, ought is an order that demands the practice. It again is imperative or necessary. They were obligated to obey by command of their Lord and Master. This command is not to do only what is symbolized. More directly, it is to practice the ordinance that will show the world its gospel truths. Love one another as I have loved you His self sacrificing love (Rom. 5:8). It is a smaller degree of humility and love to wash the feet of equals, the brethren.

[1] Ofeilete…..2 pl. pres. Act. Imper… ofeivlw

St. John 13:13-14

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