John 13:14 – “So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.”
What an awesome lesson and display of humility and servanthood. John 13:4 is a very important verse in understanding the significance of Jesus’ actions. Jesus knew His relationship with the Father and that the Father had given all things to Jesus, and that He was going back to the Father, namely His ascension after His crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Thus, Jesus gave this example of service so that the disciples would understand two things: (1) What Jesus’ earthly mission was all about, and (2) The attitude and lifestyle that followers of Jesus Christ should display.
In first century Israel, washing someone’s feet was done by someone of lower status, not by someone of noble or higher status. This is why Peter was apprehensive for Jesus as Lord and Teacher to wash his feet. However, Jesus’ answer to Peter showed that not only was Jesus giving them an example of the humility and service they ought to provide, but also that Jesus’ mission of His death, burial, resurrection and ascension would bring “full cleansing” to all who believe. Jesus as Lord and God served even at the lowest point to teach us what true humility and servanthood looks like.
Self-Reflection: Where can you grow in humility and serving others in your life?