If one were to read Jesus’ words in John 13:16 alone, without considering the context, he might think His words are so obvious—“Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master.” Well, of course a servant is not greater than his master…Everybody knows that.
But, put the verse in its context. The Master Himself had just performed one of the lowliest of tasks—washing the feet of His disciples. He then said to them, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (vss. 14-15).
It is following these words that Jesus said, “A servant is not greater than his master.” What did He mean? If our Master is not too good to get down and serve others, especially by washing their feet, then who is the servant to think or claim that he is too good to get down and do anything to serve others? None of us is greater than our Master; let’s follow His example.