Wash My Feet – Part I

"...so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him." – John 13: 4-5



"When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “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. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." – John 13: 12-15

At the time of this meal, the Last Supper, the shadow of the Cross was looming over all in the upper room. Having taken off His outer garment, Jesus was left with a shorter garment and dressed as a slave. He tied a linen towel around His waist which was used to dry the disciples' feet. In those days, washing somebody's feet was something only a Gentile slave would've been required to do, never a Jewish slave. But on this day, the Son of God, the Christ, took his disciples' feet into his hands and wash them – doing the work only the lowest of the slaves were required to do.



It was an act of humility that Jesus was teaching in one of his last lessons before going to the cross. Knowing that His disciples didn't yet understand, He realizes just how radical washing their feet was to them. On one level, it was an example of humility, on another, they would only fully understand after the cross.


What does this washing symbolize? Some think it represents forgiveness of our daily sins. While others interpret the footwashing as baptism. Regardless of the interpretation, we have the most profound revelation of the heart of God, self-sacrificing love from the creator of the universe.


The Last Supper: From the Passion

Seeking and Following,

Dean

You go nowhere by accident. Wherever you go, God is sending you, wherever you are, God has put you there; He has a purpose in your being there. Christ who dwells within you has something He wants to do through you wherever you are. Believe this and go in His grace and love and power.