John 13:15 kjv
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
John 13:15 nkjv
For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
John 13:15 niv
I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
John 13:15 esv
For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.
John 13:15 nlt
I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.
John 13 15 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference Note |
|---|---|---|
| Php 2:5-8 | Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus... humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. | Jesus' ultimate example of humble self-emptying |
| Mt 20:25-28 | You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them... But whoever would be great among you must be your servant... Son of Man came not to be served but to serve. | Jesus defines true leadership as service, not dominance |
| Lk 22:24-27 | A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest... For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as the one who serves. | Jesus redefines greatness and positions Himself as servant |
| 1 Pet 2:21 | For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. | Christ as the ultimate model for all believers |
| 1 Jn 2:6 | Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. | Imperative to live as Christ lived |
| Jn 13:34-35 | A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. | The core commandment of love, demonstrated by service |
| Jn 15:12 | This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. | Reiteration of the commandment to love |
| Eph 5:1-2 | Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. | Call to imitate God and walk in Christ-like love |
| 1 Cor 11:1 | Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. | Paul calls for imitation, based on his imitation of Christ |
| Ro 15:2-3 | Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself... | Selflessness and building others up, like Christ |
| 2 Cor 8:9 | For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. | Jesus' example of sacrificing for others' benefit |
| Heb 12:2 | looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross... | Jesus as the perfect example to look to and imitate |
| Isa 42:1 | Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights... | Old Testament prophecy foreshadowing Christ as servant |
| Mk 9:35 | If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all. | Jesus teaches humility and servanthood for leadership |
| Gal 5:13 | For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. | Freedom is for serving in love |
| Ro 12:10 | Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. | Encouragement for mutual honor and service |
| Ro 13:8 | Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. | Love as the fulfillment of the law, expressed in service |
| 1 Jn 3:16-18 | By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods... how does God's love abide in him? | Love as sacrificial action, not just words |
| Mt 23:11 | The greatest among you shall be your servant. | Reinforces the paradox of greatness in God's kingdom |
| Pr 27:2 | Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips. | Contrast with self-promotion, promoting humility |
John 13 verses
John 13 15 Meaning
John 13:15 reveals Jesus' purpose in washing His disciples' feet: to set an active, living example of humble servanthood and unconditional love. He commands His followers to emulate this action, demonstrating that true greatness in His kingdom is found in self-sacrificing service to one another, reflecting His own behavior as their Lord and Teacher. It is a profound call for practical application of faith through a lifestyle of humility.
John 13 15 Context
John chapter 13 immediately precedes Jesus' final discourses and prayers with His disciples before His arrest. It marks the shift from His public ministry to a private, intimate instruction for His own. The foot-washing, performed during the Passover meal (the Last Supper), is a profoundly symbolic act. Washing feet was a task typically performed by the lowest household slave or even a gentile, indicating the dirt and defilement of walking in sandals on dusty roads. By taking on this menial task, especially as their Lord and Master, Jesus fundamentally redefined leadership, honor, and service for His followers, presenting an act of deep humility and selfless love directly before His ultimate act of humble service on the cross. This shocking display aims to solidify a foundational principle of His new covenant community.
John 13 15 Word analysis
- For (γάρ, gar): This Greek conjunction signals an explanation or reason for the preceding action. Jesus just washed their feet, and this verse explains why He did it, linking His act directly to the purpose for their future conduct.
- I (ἐγὼ, egō): This pronoun is emphatic in the Greek. Jesus emphasizes His person and authority as the one who performed the action and is now giving the command. It highlights that the example comes directly from the ultimate Teacher and Lord.
- have given (δέδωκα, dedōka): Perfect active indicative of δίδωμι (didōmi, to give). The perfect tense indicates a completed action in the past (He already washed their feet) with continuing results into the present. The example has been given and remains valid and powerful. It implies an established and enduring model.
- you (ὑμῖν, hymin): Refers to the disciples present, but through them, it extends to all who would later follow Christ. It implies a direct imparting of knowledge and a command for their practice.
- an example (ὑπόδειγμα, hypodeigma): This is a crucial term. It means "a pattern," "a model," "a sample," or "a copy for imitation." It's not merely a suggestion or an abstract concept, but something concrete and tangible that is to be copied directly. It signifies a practical blueprint for their behavior. The historical context confirms that a host would provide a slave to perform this task for guests. Jesus deliberately subverts the social hierarchy to demonstrate a new Kingdom ethic.
- that you should do (ἵνα καὶ ὑμεῖς ποιῆτε, hina kai hymeis poiēte): The Greek hina introduces a purpose clause. The purpose of Jesus giving this example is for them to actively carry it out. "καὶ" (kai), meaning "also" or "even," reinforces the expectation of direct imitation. "ποιῆτε" (poiēte) is present active subjunctive, indicating an ongoing, continuous practice of doing or performing this type of action, not just a one-time event.
- as I have done to you (καθὼς ἐγὼ ἐποίησα ὑμῖν, kathōs egō epoiēsa hymin): "καθὼς" (kathōs) means "just as," "even as," or "in the same way that." This phrase underlines the direct correlation between Jesus' action and the disciples' expected action. They are to imitate the spirit and the deed of the humble service He performed for them. This extends beyond the literal act of washing feet to the broader principle of humble, self-giving service. It points to a radical reorientation of social and religious norms from self-exaltation to mutual ministering.
John 13 15 Bonus section
- Beyond the Literal: While Jesus performed a literal foot-washing, the deeper implication is about adopting a spirit of radical humility and willingness to perform any loving service, however menial, for another believer. It's a daily, consistent posture, not just a ceremonial act.
- Reversing Hierarchy: This act entirely reverses the prevailing hierarchical structures of the ancient world, where status determined service. Jesus demonstrates that in His Kingdom, the greatest serves the least, challenging both societal norms and even the disciples' own ambition (as seen in disputes over who would be greatest).
- Continuity of Ministry: By giving this example and command, Jesus entrusts His disciples with a core aspect of His own ministry – servanthood. It's a practical expression of the "new commandment" to love one another as He loved them, laying the foundation for Christian community.
- Personal Application: For individuals, this means actively seeking opportunities to serve others, valuing humility over pride, and being willing to step into uncomfortable situations to demonstrate God's love through practical help and selfless devotion. It applies to all believers, regardless of their role or standing within the church or society.
John 13 15 Commentary
John 13:15 is the definitive statement clarifying Jesus' actions during the foot-washing, transforming a scandalous act of humility into a divine mandate. It encapsulates a revolutionary redefinition of discipleship, moving from worldly notions of status and power to spiritual paradigms of humble service. Jesus, as Lord and Master, sets the unparalleled precedent for all who claim His name. This is not merely an object lesson, but a command for practical, loving action within the community of believers and beyond. The "example" given (hypodeigma) is a living pattern to be consciously imitated, demonstrating that true faith is manifested through selfless deeds for others. It critiques the common human tendency towards self-promotion and ambition, presenting instead a vision of leadership that empties itself for the benefit of others, mirroring the very heart of the incarnate Christ. The application is both literal (servicing one another's practical needs) and metaphorical (approaching relationships with a posture of humility, forgiveness, and active care, regardless of personal discomfort or social standing).