John Calvin Commentary John 13:12

"So when he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, and sat down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?" — John 13:12 (ASV)

When then he had washed their feet. Christ finally explains what His intention was in washing the feet of His disciples, for what He had said about the spiritual washing was a sort of digression from His main design. Had it not been for the opposition made by Peter, Christ would not have spoken on that subject.

Now, therefore, He discloses the reason for what He had done; namely, that He who is the Master and Lord of all gave an example to be followed by all the godly, so that no one might be reluctant to stoop to perform a service for their brethren and equals, however humble and lowly that service might be.

For the reason why love for the brethren is despised is that everyone thinks more highly of himself than he ought, and despises almost every other person. Nor did He intend merely to inculcate modesty, but also to lay down this rule of brotherly love: that they should serve one another. For there is no brotherly love where there is not a voluntary subjection in assisting a neighbor.

Know you what I have done? We see that Christ, for a short time, concealed His intention from His disciples, but that, after having tested their obedience, He at the right time revealed to them what it was not expedient for them to know before. Nor does He now wait until they ask, but of His own accord anticipates them. The same thing will be experienced by us also, provided that we allow ourselves to be guided by His hand, even through unknown ways.