John 13:17

17 If you understand all of this, you are blessed whenever you follow my example.

John 13:17 Meaning and Commentary

John 13:17

If ye know these things
The duties they owed to him, and one another; those kind offices of love and respect to each other; the humility, condescension, and brotherly love, which ought to be in them, and of which he had given them an example:

happy are ye if ye do them;
for the bare theory, or a mere speculative knowledge of these things, is not sufficient; not he that knows and does not, but he that knows and does his master's will, is blessed; he is blessed with communion with his Lord, and shall hereafter enter into his joy, with "well done good and faithful servant". There is an happiness "in" doing well, and which follows "on" it, though not "for" it, in a way of merit; on the other hand, persons who know and do not, are very unhappy; the Jews have a saying F1,

``(twvel alv dmlhv) , "he that learns but not to do", it would have been better for him, if he had never been created; and says R. Jochanan, he that learns but not to do, it would have been better for him if his secundine had been turned upon his face, and he had never come into the world.''


FOOTNOTES:

F1 Hieros. Beracot, fol. 3. 2.

John 13:17 In-Context

15 I've given you an example that you should follow.
16 I can guarantee this truth: Slaves are not superior to their owners, and messengers are not superior to the people who send them.
17 If you understand all of this, you are blessed whenever you follow my example.
18 "I'm not talking about all of you. I know the people I've chosen [to be apostles]. However, I've made my choice so that Scripture will come true. It says, 'The one who eats my bread has turned against me.'
19 I'm telling you now before it happens. Then, when it happens, you will believe that I am the one.
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