He Washed Their Feet
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 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 the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him John 13:3-5
The setting is the final meal shared between Jesus and His disciples. As they get underway an astonishing thing occurs. What normally would have happened was that those who came for the meal whose sandaled feet would be dirty from the dusty streets, on arrival would have had their feet washed by a servant. This was an especially humble task and was even included in the list of tasks a Jewish slave was not expected to do. As they start the meal, with everyone conscious of their dirty feet but no one willing to lower themselves to serve the others, Jesus Himself stands up, takes off His outer cloak, picks up a towel and begins to wash and then dry the disciples’ feet.
‘Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God.’ The Word who was with God, the Word who was God, became flesh. He laid aside His clothes of glory and put on our human nature, in order to … wash our feet. He had come from God and was going to God. The point isn’t “How amazing that having come from God He washed their feet.” The real point is: washing the disciples’ feet was what He did because He had come from God. The foot washing, as the crucifixion itself (to which it pointed by picturing a washing away of dirt and filth), was Jesus’ way of showing who God really was and is. The next time Jesus will have His cloak taken off Him will be in mockery before Pilate (19:5). After that He will be naked on the cross. All this will again be to show the Father’s heart for humanity. This is what ‘love without limits,’ ‘the full extent of love’ (13:1) looks like. ‘This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sin’ (1 John 4:10).
‘Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power.’ The Father had given unqualified authority to the Son. The Son’s rule was complete; His authority was absolute. Jesus did what He did, not because He had no voice in the matter, but because He had all the power of heaven with Him. The other actors in the drama of all that was to follow, Judas, Annas, Caiaphas, Pilate and the mob, all acted within the purposes of God. Their failure, rebellion and sin are the background tapestry for revealing the triumph of God’s love.
How easy is it for you to humble yourself before others? If you found yourself in a meeting where opportunity was given for any to wash others’ feet would you quickly volunteer, or find yourself far more comfortable in the background? Remember Jesus didn’t wash the disciples’ feet because He was weak. He washed their feet because He was strong.
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