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For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.
Verse Takeaways
1
An Example, Not an Ordinance
Commentators overwhelmingly agree that Jesus was not establishing a literal, mandatory church ritual like baptism. Instead, He provided a powerful object lesson. The focus is not on the specific act of washing feet but on the principle behind it. As one scholar notes, the command is to do "as I have done," not necessarily "what I have done."
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John
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10
18th Century
Presbyterian
You also should wash, and so forth. Some have understood this literally as instituting a religious rite that we should observe; b…
An example (υποδειγμα). For the old παραδειγμα (not in N.T.), from υποδεικνυμ, to show under the eyes as an illustration or warnin…
19th Century
Anglican
That you should do as I have done to you.—The example is in the principle, not in the specific act; it is not “that which…
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Baptist
For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and …
The “example” does not necessarily imply the perpetuation of footwashing as an ordinance in the church. Rather, Jesus put his emphasis on the inner…
16th Century
Protestant
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…
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
For I have given you an example Christ is an example to his people, in many things; not in his miraculous performanc…
Our Lord Jesus has a people in the world that are His own; He has purchased them, and paid dearly for them, and He has set them apart for Himself. …
13th Century
Catholic
1. After our Lord showed that His humble service was necessary, He then urged that it be imitated.
The Evangelist first describes the …
