“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. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” – John 13:14-17
I don’t know how dinner is at your house, but at my house, dinner is rarely a beautiful, religious experience. Dinner for us usually happens at the end of a long day. We fill our plates and eat. We are tired. Once we eat, we quickly begin to settle in for the night. But dinner for Jesus and the disciples often led to powerful moments that shaped the future of the faith.
One of those meals happened just before the festival of the Passover. Jesus and the disciples were at the table, ready to eat. I am sure it had already been a long and eventful day, after all, any day with Jesus is exciting. John records that Jesus “got up from the table, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.” Their meal was about to be completely interrupted by one of the most beautiful acts of service. Jesus was preparing to wash their feet. Confusion and emotional shock seized everyone in the room… well, except for Jesus.
Jesus poured water into a bowl, took a towel, washed their feet, and dried their feet. One by one, Jesus served his disciples. They were in awe. Peter tried to stop Jesus, but Peter was eventually silenced. I can only imagine what images were going through their minds as Jesus washed and dried. The disciples had witnessed him perform the greatest of signs. Jesus had taught in the temple and synagogues and now he was on his knees, washing his students’ dirty feet.
When he was finished, Jesus returned to his seat at the table and asked one of the most important questions in the Bible. Jesus asked, “Do you understand what I have done for you?”
Jesus used this simple, humble task to open the eyes of his disciples. He answered his own question by saying, “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 an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:13-15)
The act of washing feet did not require supernatural strength. It did require humility, compassion, and a kind spirit. This beautiful moment was the benevolent love of God on display for all the world to see. This was a moment that Jesus used to paint a picture of loving-kindness for all disciples to witness. Our Lord and Teacher knew that we often learn better from the example of others. Like Peter and all whose feet were washed, may we also see the love of God on display and do for others as Jesus has done for us.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
