Discovery BoxJohn 13:12-15 
Context13:12 So when Jesus 1 had washed their feet and put his outer clothing back on, he took his place at the table 2 again and said to them, “Do you understand 3 what I have done for you? 13:13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and do so correctly, 4 for that is what I am. 5 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you too ought to wash one another’s feet. 13:15 For I have given you an example 6 – you should do just as I have done for you.
1 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
2 tn Grk “he reclined at the table.” The phrase reflects the normal 1st century Near Eastern practice of eating a meal in a semi-reclining position.
3 tn Grk “Do you know.”
4 tn Or “rightly.”
5 tn Grk “and I am these things.”
6 sn I have given you an example. Jesus tells his disciples after he has finished washing their feet that what he has done is to set an example for them. In the previous verse he told them they were to wash one another’s feet. What is the point of the example? If it is simply an act of humble service, as most interpret the significance, then Jesus is really telling his disciples to serve one another in humility rather than seeking preeminence over one another. If, however, the example is one of self-sacrifice up to the point of death, then Jesus is telling them to lay down their lives for one another (cf. 15:13).
