Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 13:6-8

"So he cometh to Simon Peter. He saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt understand hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me." — John 13:6-8 (ASV)

(6–8a) The response of Simon Peter may have been representative of the common feeling that Jesus ought not to demean himself by washing their feet. He reveals both the impetuousness of his disposition and the high regard he had for Jesus.

(8b) Jesus’ rejoinder expresses the necessity, not only for the cleansing of Peter’s feet to make him socially acceptable for the dinner, but also for the cleansing of his personality to make him fit for the kingdom of God. The external washing was intended to be a picture of spiritual cleansing from evil.