Just before the Passover Feast, Jesus, fully aware of the significant hour approaching—his departure from this world to return to the Father—demonstrated the depths of his love for his followers. This love, unwavering and complete, set the stage for a powerful act of service that would resonate through the ages.
The evening was underway, and in the midst of the Passover meal, an act of profound humility unfolded. Knowing his divine authority and origin, that he had come from God and was returning to God, Jesus rose from the table. In a move that would have shocked his disciples, he removed his outer garments and wrapped a towel around himself, the very attire of a servant. He then proceeded to pour water into a basin and began to wash the feet of his disciples, drying them with the towel. This was a task typically relegated to the lowest servants, yet here was Jesus, their Lord and Teacher, performing it for them.
When Jesus approached Simon Peter, Peter was understandably taken aback. “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” he questioned, reflecting the social norms and expectations of the time. Jesus responded with gentle yet profound words, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” This hinted at a deeper meaning behind the action, something beyond the literal act of cleansing feet.
Peter, still struggling with the reversal of roles, vehemently refused, “No,” he declared, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus’ reply was firm and crucial: “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” This statement shifted the focus from physical cleanliness to a spiritual cleansing, a necessary part of being in fellowship with Jesus. Peter, upon understanding the gravity of Jesus’ words, swung to the other extreme, pleading, “Then, Lord, not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
Jesus clarified, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” This subtly acknowledged the presence of Judas, the betrayer, highlighting that outward actions do not always reflect inner purity.
After washing their feet and returning to his place at the table, Jesus addressed his disciples. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he inquired. He then explicitly connected his action to his role as their Teacher and Lord. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” This was not merely about foot washing; it was about embodying a spirit of humble service.
Jesus emphasized the example he had set. “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” He underscored the principle that “no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.” This powerful lesson culminated in a promise: “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”
In conclusion, Jesus’ act of washing his disciples’ feet was not just a display of humility; it was a demonstration of his core mission: Jesus Came To Serve. He modeled servant leadership, challenging the conventional hierarchies and expectations of power. This act calls for a radical shift in perspective, urging believers to embrace humility and prioritize the needs of others. It is in this selfless service, mirroring Jesus’ example, that true blessing and discipleship are found. Let us reflect on this profound lesson and strive to embody the serving heart of Christ in our daily lives.
