an example
John 13:15
13:15 an example. Here The Lord has given us an example (note I Peter 2:21), not a specific commandment. He did not say: “Do what I have done to you,” but rather: “Do as I have done to you.” The example is that of willingness to do menial service as needed to help others. In that day, walking on dusty roads in open sandals, one’s feet became dirty and very tired by supper time, and it was customary for a host to have servants wash the feet of any guests he might invite to sup with him as an act of courtesy and kindness. The exact situation would rarely be duplicated in our culture today, so the exact courtesy would hardly be appropriate. The principle of service—even menial service when needed—is still very important, however, and should be characteristic of all His disciples.