John 13:12 Commentary and Bible Study

From verse twelve, Christ’s washing of the disciples feet is a symbol of humility, an example to them of the humility they should show to one another. ‘Know ye what I have done to you?’ He causes them to think. ‘Ye call me Master and Lord,’ that means teacher and ruler – you can go no higher – ‘and ye say well; for so I am. If I then,’ your teacher and your ruler, ‘have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.’ Not literally, but you should do what this represents and you should be lowly and love one another and care for one another. It is not an ordinance. Some people think it is. A minority of Christians in the world, in one or two traditions have included the washing of feet with the Lord’s Supper. It is very rare but it is done and this is taken to be an ordinance. But there is no sign of it being an ordinance because it never appears to be done in the New Testament. The disciples do not apply it literally; they see it as a symbol of how we are to humble ourselves towards each other.