Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet
Scripture
John 13:1-17
Commentary
There is religious and practical significance to
the act of footwashing that Jesus does for His disciples.
Ordinarily servants would have washed the feet of the guests as
they entered. In this case, the lowest invited guest would
have been expected to wash the feet of others. By the
order of the table set up, Peter is placed lowest and he should
have washed everyone's feet. The disciples have been
arguing over who will be the greatest in Jesus' kingdom however
and none will stoop to be the lowest and wash the feet of
others.
Jesus takes it upon Himself to wash the feet of
His disciples. As they would have ceremonially washed
prior to celebrating the Passover, they were clean.
However, in a short walk, their sandaled feet would have become
dirty and thus in need of cleaning once again.
Peter is shamed when Jesus comes to wash his
feet, knowing that he should have been the one to wash
everyone's feet. He resists at first but when Jesus
insists he then asks that Jesus wash his head and hands as well.
Jesus uses footwashing as a model for salvation.
A person needs to only be saved or washed once. However in
the daily travels they get their feet dirty and need to have
them cleaned. This is representative of the need to ask
forgiveness of sins daily. A person is saved but they
continue to sin and need forgiveness.
The act of footwashing is one of humility and
servitude. Some churches practice it as a requirement as a
part of communion. Others interpret the act of footwashing
as something that should not be considered a literal example to
follow. Instead it is the example of Jesus' humility and
service that must be followed.
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