14.02.08 Jn. 13:12-17

JESUS EXPLAINS WASHING  

¹² When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His robe, He reclined again and said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? ¹³ You call Me Teacher and Lord. This is well said, for I am. ¹⁴ So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. ¹⁵ For I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you.

¹⁶ “I assure you:                                                                                                                   A slave is not greater                                                                                                            than his master,                                                                                            and a messenger is not greater                                                                                             than the one who sent him.                                                              

¹⁷ If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.  

“And a messenger is not greater.” The English word messenger is translated from the Greek word apostolos, which is more frequently translated as apostle.^[1] An apostle is one who is sent forth to act on a particular matter, as in the case of the Apostle Paul who was sent forth to preach the Kingdom of God to the Gentiles. This passage is a clear indication that the disciples would become apostles.

[1]. Campbell, “Apostle.” 20-21.