John 13:12

12 After he had finished washing their feet, he took his robe, put it back on, and went back to his place at the table.

John 13:12 Meaning and Commentary

John 13:12

So after he had washed their feet
Not Peter's only, but the rest of the disciples also: some have thought, that he washed only the feet of some of them, and not all; but it seems, by this expression, that he performed this service to each of them: and when he had gone through it with everyone of them:

and had taken his garments,
and put them on,

and was sat down again;
at the table with his disciples, supper not being yet ended; when having done his work as a servant, he reassumes the air and authority of Lord and master, and begins to teach and instruct, into the design and use of what he had been doing, which he introduces by putting this question;

he said unto them, know ye what I have done to you?
They knew the outward action he had done to them, that he had washed their feet; but, as yet, they did not know the mystery of it, Christ's design in it, and what he would have them learn from it.

John 13:12 In-Context

10 Jesus said, "If you've had a bath in the morning, you only need your feet washed now and you're clean from head to toe. My concern, you understand, is holiness, not hygiene. So now you're clean. But not every one of you."

11 (He knew who was betraying him. That's why he said, "Not every one of you.")

12 After he had finished washing their feet, he took his robe, put it back on, and went back to his place at the table.

13 You address me as 'Teacher' and 'Master,' and rightly so. That is what I am.

14 So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other's feet.