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John 13:15
Verse
Context
Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet
14So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.15I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you. 16Truly, truly, I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- John Gill
John Gill Bible Commentary
For I have given you an example,.... Christ is an example to his people, in many things; not in his miraculous performances and mediatorial work, but in the exercise of grace, of meekness, humility, love, patience, and the like; and in the discharge of duty, in submission to ordinances, and in attending on them; and in the several duties, both to them that are without, and to them that are within; and also in his sufferings and death; not that he died merely as an example, but likewise in the room and stead of his people; but here he is spoken of, as an example, in a particular instance: that ye should do as I have done to you; wash one another's feet, as he had washed theirs; which is not to be understood literally and singly of this action, as though this was an ordinance binding upon all persons, in all places, and to be attended to at certain stated times, as has been the practice of some: it was so understood by the church at Milain, and there practised; and this custom was continued and defended by St. Ambrose, even though not received by the church of Rome; in some places the bishop used to wash the feet of those that were baptized, which in process of time being thought sufficient, instead of baptism, was forbidden by the council at Eliberis. In imitation of this, the pope every year, on Thursday in the passion week, washes the feet of twelve men; and it is an anniversary ceremony performed by the kings of England and France, to wash the feet of twelve poor people, in commemoration of this action of Christ's: but our Lord is not to be understood literally, nor of anything that was to be done once a year, but of what was daily and constantly to be practised; and which was to be done not by one only, to all the rest, but what they were mutually to do; what they were to do to one another; for the thing signified, reaches to, and is obligatory upon all Christians. Our Lord's meaning is, that as he had, by this action, given them an example of humility, condescension, and love; so they should exercise these graces, and perform such kind offices to one another, and to all their fellow Christians.
John 13:15
Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet
14So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.15I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you. 16Truly, truly, I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Spiritual Service: Trained to Administer the Church
By Hoseah Wu1.4K1:02:29AdministrationGEN 12:3MAT 6:33JHN 3:26JHN 13:151CO 4:1HEB 3:2HEB 3:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of serving the Lord wholeheartedly. He refers to 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, which teaches that believers are called to be servants of Christ and stewards of His mysteries. The preacher emphasizes the need for trustworthiness in stewardship. He also discusses the significance of making time for the Lord and seeking His guidance in order to effectively lead and teach others. Additionally, the preacher highlights the importance of doing things to please God, rather than simply going through the motions.
The Bible College of Wales, 1979
By Norman Grubb1.3K1:38:15Bible CollegeJHN 13:15JHN 14:17ROM 8:91CO 2:12GAL 2:201JN 3:21JN 4:17In this sermon, the speaker discusses the process of spiritual growth and maturity. He emphasizes the importance of moving from being a child to becoming a young man and eventually a father in the faith. The speaker highlights that this progression requires a change in perspective and a willingness to be sent out and commissioned by God. He also mentions that settling into a higher level of spiritual maturity brings about a sense of fulfillment and purpose. The speaker draws examples from the Bible to illustrate these concepts and encourages the audience to strive for personal competence in their spiritual journey.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Whosoever Therefore Shall Humble Himself
By A.B. Simpson0Christlike LoveHumilityMAT 11:29MAT 18:3MRK 10:14LUK 18:17JHN 13:15ROM 12:10EPH 4:2PHP 2:5JAS 4:101PE 5:6A.B. Simpson emphasizes that true humility comes from being born again through Christ, as humanity has lost its original simplicity and approachability. He encourages Christians to embody a childlike spirit, being relatable and loving towards others, rather than becoming stiff and self-conscious. Simpson illustrates this with the example of Christ, who approached people with genuine humanity and love, demonstrating that it is through simple acts of kindness that we can connect with others and lead them to salvation. The sermon calls for believers to seek a heart like Christ's, one that is warm and inviting, to effectively reach out to those around them.
The Heart of Jesus
By Samuel Logan Brengle0Heart of JesusHumility and MeeknessJER 31:3MAT 5:5MAT 11:29JHN 13:15JHN 13:34ROM 8:291CO 13:4JAS 4:61JN 2:61JN 4:17Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the transformative power of having a heart like Jesus, which is characterized by humility, love, and meekness. He reflects on the importance of embodying Christ's love, urging believers to love one another as Jesus loves us, and to adopt a humble and gentle spirit in all circumstances. Brengle shares personal experiences that illustrate how embracing humility can lead to spiritual fulfillment and joy, even in menial tasks. He encourages the congregation to seek a heart that mirrors Christ's, as it is essential for living a life that reflects His teachings and example.
Homily 64 on Matthew
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 5:22MAT 8:11MAT 8:20MAT 20:1MAT 20:16MAT 20:27JHN 13:151CO 11:31GAL 1:15HEB 12:14John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of humility, diligence, and self-reflection in the Christian life. He emphasizes the need to focus on one's own virtues and good works rather than judging others, urging believers to emulate the examples of faithful individuals like Noah, Abraham, and Job. Chrysostom warns against envy, jealousy, and pride, highlighting the significance of almsgiving, righteousness, and obedience to God's commandments. He uses the parable of the laborers in the vineyard to illustrate God's mercy and the reward of those who turn to Him, regardless of when they come to faith.
This Perfect Pattern
By Thomas Brooks0Imitating ChristChristian LivingMAT 5:16JHN 13:15ROM 8:291CO 11:1EPH 5:1PHP 2:5COL 3:17HEB 12:11PE 2:211JN 2:6Thomas Brooks emphasizes that a true Christian's life should reflect the character of Christ, as stated in 1 John 2:6. He urges believers to follow Christ's moral virtues, as He is the only perfect pattern for living. Brooks highlights that those who strive to emulate Christ are the happiest among God's children. The sermon calls for a deep commitment to walking in the footsteps of Jesus, as outlined in 1 Peter 2:21.
Conformity to Jesus
By Andrew Murray0Spiritual TransformationConformity to ChristMAT 9:29JHN 13:15ROM 8:292CO 3:18GAL 2:20EPH 4:13PHP 1:6COL 3:10HEB 12:21JN 3:2Andrew Murray emphasizes the necessity of being conformed to the image of Jesus, contrasting it with conformity to the world, which hinders spiritual growth. He encourages believers to recognize their calling to imitate Christ and to trust in the Holy Spirit's power to enable this transformation. Murray highlights the importance of understanding God's desires for our lives and the need for divine instruction to truly conform to Christ. He stresses that faith and surrender to Jesus are essential for experiencing this change, as it is through Him that believers can reflect God's glory. Ultimately, he calls for a deep commitment to prayer and communion with God to achieve this conformity.
Letter 2
By St. Athanasius0Living the GospelEaster JoyPSA 115:8PRO 4:1MAT 25:21JHN 13:15ROM 1:221CO 11:11TH 5:162TI 4:12HEB 10:251PE 2:21St. Athanasius emphasizes the joy of Easter and the importance of living according to the teachings of Christ and the saints. He encourages believers to not only hear the Gospel but to actively embody its commandments, reflecting the behavior of the saints to enter into heavenly joy. Athanasius warns against the folly of those who do not observe the feast, likening them to beasts and urging the faithful to remain steadfast in their faith and traditions. He highlights the significance of Christ's resurrection as the source of joy and the call to live a life of gratitude and service. Ultimately, he calls for unity in worship and adherence to apostolic teachings as a means to experience the true joy of the Lord.
What to Do
By Joseph Parker0MAT 20:28LUK 22:27JHN 13:15PHP 2:51PE 5:5Joseph Parker preaches about the supreme consciousness of Jesus Christ, highlighting His humility and servanthood as an example for us to follow. He emphasizes the contrast between the desire for greatness in human consciousness and the humility displayed by Jesus in washing His disciples' feet, despite knowing His divine authority and power.
As He Has Done
By Mary Wilder Tileston0MAT 5:44LUK 6:27JHN 13:15ROM 12:18PHP 2:31PE 4:8Mary Wilder Tileston, in the sermon, reflects on the example set by Jesus in serving others, even those who may be difficult to love or understand. She challenges the listeners to examine their relationships and interactions, urging them to show compassion, forgiveness, and love towards both friends and foes. Tileston emphasizes the importance of self-reflection during Lent, encouraging individuals to emulate Christ's humility and grace in dealing with those who may be challenging or irritating. The sermon calls for a shift from judgmental attitudes to a spirit of prayerful self-improvement and understanding of the vast difference between human nature and the divine.
Christ the Example of Ministers
By Jonathan Edwards0PRO 3:9MAT 20:27LUK 22:27JHN 13:15JHN 14:12EPH 5:25TIT 2:14HEB 5:6Jonathan Edwards preaches about the importance of ministers following the example of Christ in their work, emphasizing the humility, heavenly-mindedness, devotion, and love to souls that Christ exemplified. He highlights that ministers should imitate Christ's fervent prayers, diligence, and readiness to suffer for the salvation of souls. Edwards urges ministers to be zealous, faithful, and wise in their preaching, focusing on the spiritual cleansing and salvation of their congregations. He stresses that imitating Christ's example is crucial for ministers to experience success, joy, and eternal glory in their ministry.
Ninth Day: "He Leadeth me."
By J. Wilbur Chapman0MAT 5:16JHN 10:4JHN 13:15COL 3:171JN 2:6J. Wilbur Chapman preaches about the importance of gracious activity in the Christian experience, emphasizing the balance between contemplation and action, following the shepherd's leadership, and reflecting the life of Jesus in all aspects of our lives. He highlights the necessity of both the green-pasture experience of being fed by the Good Shepherd and the satisfaction found in serving others. Chapman stresses the significance of having others recognize that we have been with Jesus through our actions, words, and presence, making our Christian life a testimony of His love and grace.
Looking Unto Jesus
By J.C. Ryle0Faith in ChristPractical ChristianityISA 53:6JHN 13:15ACT 1:11ROM 5:10ROM 8:341CO 11:1PHP 3:20HEB 7:25HEB 12:21JN 2:6J.C. Ryle emphasizes the importance of 'Looking Unto Jesus' as the foundation of a vibrant and practical Christianity. He argues that true faith must extend beyond mere Sunday observance and should permeate every aspect of daily life, providing strength, peace, and guidance through Christ's death, intercession, example, and anticipated return. Ryle highlights that a genuine relationship with Jesus is essential for overcoming life's challenges and achieving spiritual growth. He encourages believers to focus on Christ as their source of hope and to emulate His life as a model for their own. Ultimately, Ryle calls for a return to the simplicity and sincerity of early Christianity, centered on the person of Jesus.
And in Love to the Brethren.
By Andrew Murray0DiscipleshipLoveJHN 13:15JHN 15:9JHN 15:12ROM 13:10GAL 5:13EPH 4:2COL 3:141PE 4:81JN 3:181JN 4:7Andrew Murray emphasizes the commandment of Christ to love one another as He has loved us, illustrating that this divine love is the essence of the Christian life. He explains that true love among believers serves as evidence of their discipleship and reflects the love of God, which is made manifest through Christ's life and sacrifice. Murray encourages Christians to abide in Christ's love, allowing it to transform their interactions and relationships, thus becoming witnesses of His love to the world. He highlights that love is not merely a sentiment but an active expression that should permeate every aspect of a believer's life. Ultimately, he calls believers to embrace their calling to love like Christ, assuring them that through abiding in Him, they can fulfill this commandment joyfully.
- John Gill
John Gill Bible Commentary
For I have given you an example,.... Christ is an example to his people, in many things; not in his miraculous performances and mediatorial work, but in the exercise of grace, of meekness, humility, love, patience, and the like; and in the discharge of duty, in submission to ordinances, and in attending on them; and in the several duties, both to them that are without, and to them that are within; and also in his sufferings and death; not that he died merely as an example, but likewise in the room and stead of his people; but here he is spoken of, as an example, in a particular instance: that ye should do as I have done to you; wash one another's feet, as he had washed theirs; which is not to be understood literally and singly of this action, as though this was an ordinance binding upon all persons, in all places, and to be attended to at certain stated times, as has been the practice of some: it was so understood by the church at Milain, and there practised; and this custom was continued and defended by St. Ambrose, even though not received by the church of Rome; in some places the bishop used to wash the feet of those that were baptized, which in process of time being thought sufficient, instead of baptism, was forbidden by the council at Eliberis. In imitation of this, the pope every year, on Thursday in the passion week, washes the feet of twelve men; and it is an anniversary ceremony performed by the kings of England and France, to wash the feet of twelve poor people, in commemoration of this action of Christ's: but our Lord is not to be understood literally, nor of anything that was to be done once a year, but of what was daily and constantly to be practised; and which was to be done not by one only, to all the rest, but what they were mutually to do; what they were to do to one another; for the thing signified, reaches to, and is obligatory upon all Christians. Our Lord's meaning is, that as he had, by this action, given them an example of humility, condescension, and love; so they should exercise these graces, and perform such kind offices to one another, and to all their fellow Christians.