John 13:12

Followeth to v. 18, an exposition of this washing after Christ had done with it, wherein he explains it, as it was a servile employment performed by him to them, that hereby he might teach them humility. In this exposition we may observe six particulars, whereof the first (in this verse) contains somewhat antecedent to the exposition; Namely, that before he performe his promise to Peter, ver. 7. he goeth on to wash all their feet, and having taken his garments, and sitten down, he enquireth at themselves if they understood what he meant by all this. Whence learn, 1. Whatever be the strugglings of Saints against Christs dealing, yet he will have his will, and carry through his purpose; for, notwithstanding Peters opposition (wherein others, as humble as he, might have been ready to imitate him,) yet he washed their feet. 2. Christs favours are not tendered complements, but really conferred mercies, and he will come over much opposition, to make them effectual; for, he not only offered, but really did wash their feet. 3. Albeit Christs servants and people have a promise, that he will make known his minde in things that concerne them, which he will performe in due season; Yet he will exercise their submission and obedience at leisure, before he performe it; for, he washeth all their feet, takes his garments, and sate down again, and propounds this question, before he make good that promise given to Peter, ver 7. 4. Where Christ is about to teach his people, he will first humble them under the sense of their own ignorance, and then will teach them; for, this question, know ye what I have done unto you? tends to discover their ignorance of the matter, to humble them. 5. It is the duty of Christs scholars, to be serious in attending what he is doing about them, and to them; and to rowze up themselves to attend what he will teach thereby: for, this question is also put, to stir them up to attend to the former action and following explication.