Washing the Disciples’ Feet

John 13 records that before the final Passover Jesus spent on Earth, He knew that His time had come to leave this world and return to the Father. Knowing that the Father had put everything under His power, and that He had come from God and was returning to God, Jesus got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist (the action of a servant). 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.

In ancient times, Jews typically wore open-backed sandals. After walking for a while, their feet would inevitably get dusty. Therefore, upon entering a house, it was customary to take off one’s shoes and wash one’s feet. One of the lowest tasks a slave would perform was to untie the sandals, take them off, carry them for their master or guest, and then bring water to wash their feet.

Knowing that He was about to return to God and leave the disciples behind, Jesus demonstrated the act of washing feet. He wanted the disciples to remember His example and, in doing so, to remember that they must humble themselves and serve one another. Jesus, who knew His authority was infinite, His origin was divine, and His destination was glorious, still humbled Himself to wash the feet of His disciples. In contrast, people often know they are nothing special yet remain arrogant. The most noble and powerful hands in the universe, the hands that created all things, willingly washed the dirty feet of His disciples! During the Last Supper, Jesus taught and demonstrated His love for us, a love that would continue until His very last moment on Earth. We should encourage one another with truth, humbly serve one another with the heart of a servant, obey the command to love our neighbors as ourselves, and love each other in Christ Jesus.