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John 13:16

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

I'm telling you the truth, no employee is more important than their boss, and no messenger is bigger than the person who sent them.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Stay humble: you're never above the person who gave you purpose.

📚 Historical Context

In the Gospel of John, chapter 13, Jesus is sharing the Last Supper with his disciples in Jerusalem during the Passover feast, a significant Jewish celebration commemorating God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt. He performs the humble act of washing their feet, a task typically reserved for the lowest servants, to demonstrate the importance of servanthood and humility in his kingdom. Jesus then speaks this verse to emphasize that his followers must not exalt themselves above him, their master and teacher, as this moment occurs just before his betrayal and crucifixion.

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