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Verse

John 13:12

ESV When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you?
NIV When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. 'Do you understand what I have done for you?' he asked them.
NASB Then, when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, 'Do you know what I have done for you?
CSB When Jesus had washed their feet and put on his outer clothing, he reclined again and said to them, "Do you know what I have done for you?
NLT After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, 'Do you understand what I was doing?
KJV So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

What does John 13:12 mean?

This question comes shortly after Jesus performed the task of a lowly servant: washing the feet of His own disciples. That included a brief disagreement with Peter that turned into an explanation of the difference between salvation and routine confession of sin (John 13:1–11). That teaching was important, but it was not the primary purpose of Jesus washing the disciples' feet. Now, as promised (John 13:7), Jesus begins the process of explaining what this event is meant to teach. That lesson completely overturns natural human assumptions about leadership.

As with many of Jesus' teachings, full understanding will take the disciples some time to reach. In this case, however, the lesson is not mysterious or complex. Jesus will continue by pointing out that servants are not above their masters. If the Master acts in love and service to others, those who follow are obligated to do the same. The point is not about literal washing of feet, but an attitude of humility and self-sacrifice. Christians are never "too big" to love and serve others.
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