John Calvin Commentary John 13:15

"For I have given you an example, that ye also should do as I have done to you." — John 13:15 (ASV)

For I have given you an example. It deserves our attention that Christ says that he gave an example; for we are not at liberty to take all his actions, without reserve, as subjects of imitation. The Papists boast that, by Christ’s example, they observe the forty days’ fast, or Lent.

But we ought first to see whether or not he intended to lay down his fast as an example, so that the disciples might conform to it as a rule. We read nothing of this sort; and therefore, the imitation of it is no less wicked than if they attempted to fly to heaven.

Besides, when they ought to have followed Christ, they were not imitators, but apes. Every year they have a custom of washing some people’s feet, as if it were a farce they were performing on the stage; and so, when they have performed this idle and meaningless ceremony, they think that they have fully discharged their duty and consider themselves free to despise their brethren during the rest of the year.

But — what is far worse — after having washed the feet of twelve men, they subject every member of Christ to cruel torture, and thus spit in Christ’s face. This display of buffoonery, therefore, is nothing else than a shameful mockery of Christ.

At all events, Christ does not here enjoin an annual ceremony, but bids us be ready, throughout our whole life, to wash the feet of our brethren and neighbors.