John 13:7

7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

John 13:7 Meaning and Commentary

John 13:7

Jesus answered and said unto him
Christ replies,

what I do, thou knowest not now:
Peter knew that he was about to wash his feet, and the rest of his disciples, but he did not know the meaning and mystery of it, what Christ designed by it, and what instruction they were to receive from it,

but thou shalt know hereafter;
as he did, when he had performed this service, and explained it to him. This may teach us, under dark providences, the meaning of which is not yet known by us, to wait the Lord's own time, to make things clear and plain to us, and in the mean time patiently submit to the divine will.

John 13:7 In-Context

5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him.

6 He came to Simon Peter, who asked Him, “Lord, are You going to wash my feet?”

7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

8 “Never shall You wash my feet!” Peter told Him. Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me.”

9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not only my feet, but my hands and my head as well!”