Christian Humility

2 If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love,^(A) if any fellowship with the Spirit,^(B) if any affection and mercy,^{(C) 2} make my joy complete by thinking the same way,^(D) having the same love,^(E) united in spirit, intent on one^(F) purpose. ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition^(G) or conceit,^(H) but in humility^(I) consider others as more important^(J) than yourselves. ⁴ Everyone should look not to his own interests,^(K) but rather to the interests of others.^(L)

Christ’s Humility and Exaltation

⁵ Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,

Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet

13 Before the Passover Festival, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world to the Father.^(A) Having loved his own who were in the world,^(B) he loved them to the end.

² Now when it was time for supper, the devil^(C) had already put it into the heart of Judas,^(D) Simon Iscariot’s son,^[a] to betray^(E) him. ³ Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into his hands,^(F) that he had come from God,^(G) and that he was going back to God.^{(H) 4} So he got up from supper, laid aside his outer clothing,^(I) took a towel, and tied it around himself.^{(J) 5} Next, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel tied around him.

⁶ He came to Simon Peter,^(K) who asked him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

⁷ Jesus answered him, “What I’m doing you don’t realize now, but afterward you will understand.”^(L)

The Meaning of Foot Washing

¹² When Jesus had washed their feet and put on his outer clothing, he reclined again and said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? ¹³ You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are speaking rightly, since that is what I am. ¹⁴ So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.^{(A) 15} For I have given you an example,^(B) that you also should do just as I have done for you.

¹⁶ “Truly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his master,^[a](C) and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him. ¹⁷ If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.^(D)

¹⁸ “I’m not speaking about all of you; I know those I have chosen.^(E) But the Scripture^(F) must be fulfilled: ^(G) The one who eats my bread^[b] has raised his heel against me.^{[c](H) 19} I am telling you now before it happens,^(I) so that when it does happen you will believe^(J) that I am he.^{(K) 20} Truly I tell you, whoever receives anyone I send receives me, and the one who receives^(L) me receives him who sent me.”

Christian Ethics

⁹ Let love be without hypocrisy.^(A) Detest evil;^(B) cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters.^(C) Take the lead in honoring one another.^{(D) 11} Do not lack diligence in zeal; be fervent in the Spirit;^[a](E) serve the Lord.^{(F) 12} Rejoice in hope;^(G) be patient in affliction;^(H) be persistent in prayer.^{(I) 13} Share with the saints in their needs;^(J) pursue hospitality.^{(K) 14} Bless those who persecute you;^(L) bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice;^(M) weep with those who weep. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another.^(N) Do not be proud;^(O) instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation.^{(P) 17} Do not repay anyone evil for evil.^(Q) Give careful thought to do what is honorable^(R) in everyone’s eyes. ¹⁸ If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.^{(S) 19} Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God’s wrath, because it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay,^[b](T) says the Lord. ²⁰ But

²¹ Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.