John 13:13 – “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus acknowledges the titles His disciples use for Him—”Teacher” and “Lord.” He affirms that they are correct in calling Him these things because that is exactly who He is. He is their Teacher, the one who instructs them in the truth. He is also their Lord, the one who has authority over them.

Jesus had just finished washing their feet, an act of humility that shocked them. By reminding them of His position as their Teacher and Lord, He is emphasizing the significance of what He just did. If He, their Master, was willing to humble Himself to serve them, then they should be willing to do the same for others.

This verse sets up the lesson Jesus is about to teach—true greatness is found in humble service. Being a follower of Jesus means more than just acknowledging Him as Lord; it means following His example in everyday life.

Historical Context

In Jewish culture, a teacher (or “rabbi”) was highly respected. A rabbi’s students (or “disciples”) were expected to learn from him, honor him, and follow his example. The title “Lord” (or “Master”) was also significant—it implied authority and leadership.

For Jesus to affirm that He is both “Teacher” and “Lord” is important. Some saw Him only as a teacher, a wise man who spoke truth. Others recognized His divine authority. Here, Jesus makes it clear that He is both—the one who teaches truth and the one who has the right to be obeyed.

By washing their feet, Jesus challenged the disciples’ understanding of leadership and authority. In their culture, a lord or master would never perform such a lowly task. But Jesus, though He had all authority, humbled Himself to serve.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus is Both Teacher and Lord – He is not just a wise teacher like other religious leaders. He is the ultimate source of truth and has full authority over our lives (Matthew 28:18).
2. True Authority is Rooted in Humility – Jesus didn’t just teach about humility; He lived it. He used His authority to serve others, not to demand honor for Himself (Philippians 2:5-7).
3. Obedience to Jesus is Not Optional – If Jesus is truly our Lord, then we must obey Him. Acknowledging His authority means following His commands, including His call to serve others (Luke 6:46).

Literary Analysis

This verse is structured as a statement of identity. Jesus first acknowledges what the disciples call Him, then affirms its truth. The simplicity of His words adds weight to His authority.

John’s Gospel frequently emphasizes Jesus’ identity. Throughout the book, Jesus makes many “I am” statements (“I am the bread of life,” “I am the good shepherd,” etc.). Here, He simply states, “That is what I am,” reinforcing His position without needing further explanation.

This verse also connects directly to the previous passage about foot-washing. Jesus is not rejecting His role as Teacher and Lord—He is showing what true leadership looks like. His actions redefine what it means to be great in God’s kingdom.

Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 23:8-10 – “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah.”
• Luke 6:46 – “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”
• Philippians 2:5-7 – “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.”
• John 14:23 – “Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.’”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that Jesus is both our Teacher and our Lord. If we truly believe this, it should change how we live.

1. We must listen to His teaching – If Jesus is our Teacher, we should be learning from Him daily through the Bible and applying His truth to our lives.
2. We must submit to His authority – If Jesus is our Lord, we must obey Him, not just in words but in action. He calls us to love others, serve humbly, and live for His kingdom.
3. We must follow His example – Jesus led by serving. If we truly recognize Him as our Lord, we must imitate His humility in our relationships with others.

Many people today admire Jesus as a great moral teacher, but they reject His authority as Lord. This verse reminds us that we cannot separate the two. To follow Jesus means to both learn from Him and obey Him.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the way He leads His people. He does not rule over us with pride or arrogance—He leads by serving. Jesus, as God in the flesh, showed His love by humbling Himself, not just in washing feet but ultimately in giving His life for us.

This verse also reveals that God’s authority is not oppressive but life-giving. Jesus’ teaching and leadership are rooted in truth, love, and a desire for His people to flourish. His authority is not about control but about guiding us to what is good and right.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus as the Teacher of Truth – He is the source of wisdom and understanding (John 14:6).
2. Jesus as the Lord of All – He has full authority over heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18).
3. Jesus as the Humble Servant – Even though He is Lord, He humbled Himself to serve and save (Mark 10:45).

Jesus is not just someone to admire—He is someone to follow. His teaching is not just good advice—it is divine truth. His authority is not just a title—it is the reality of who He is.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized that He was both “Teacher” and “Lord”?
2. What does it mean for us to truly acknowledge Jesus as our Lord in our daily lives?
3. How does Jesus’ example of leadership challenge the way we think about authority?
4. Are there areas in your life where you are willing to learn from Jesus but struggle to submit to His authority?
5. How can we follow Jesus’ example of humble service in our own relationships and communities?

John 13:13 is a powerful reminder that Jesus is both our Teacher and our Lord. He calls us not just to learn from Him but to follow His example of humble, loving service. True discipleship means recognizing His authority and living according to His ways. May we not only call Him “Lord” but also live in obedience to His teachings.