John 13:14 Commentary - Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

1) "If I then, your Lord and Master," (ei oun ego) "If then I,- (didaskalos ho kurios kai ho) "As your Lord and teacher," teacher or respectful Rabbi.

2) "Have washed your feet;” (enipsa humon tous poclas) "Have washed your feet," with your permission, apparently with no serious protest from any, except Peter, Joh 13:6-9. This act was done always as a social act, never in connection with worship or as a religious rite or ordinance.

3) "Ye also ought to wash one another's feet." (kai humeis opheilete allelon niptein tous podas) "You all also ought to wash the feet of one another," as an expression of humility, and by love to serve one another, as expressed Rom 12:10; Gal 6:1-2; 1Pe 5:5-6.

As the washing of feet was then a custom of hospitality, good will, and friendship socially shown, even the parallel custom today, in the Western world, is to hang up coats and hats, and shake hands, to say, "God bless you."