John Calvin Commentary John 13:16

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, a servant is not greater than his lord; neither one that is sent greater than he that sent him." — John 13:16 (ASV)

Truly, truly, I tell you. These are indeed proverbial sayings, which allow for a far more extensive application, but which should be applied to the matter at hand. In my opinion, therefore, those who suppose them to have a general meaning are mistaken, as if Christ were now urging his disciples to bear the cross; for it is more correct to say that he used them to serve his purpose.