A study of John 13:1-17 reveals an act of godly humility, a spiritual meaning in the godly act, and a godly example for disciples to follow.
A study of John 13:1-17 reveals an act of godly humility.
Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.(ESV, John 13:1,4-5)
As Jesus celebrated the Passover meal with his disciples he knew his crucifixion was near and time with his disciples limited. How might he best make a lasting impression with a defining moment that would impact their ministry when he was gone? His decision was a teaching moment through an act of love as V.1 reminds us:
Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
The Greek word for “end” is telo, which means complete, end, fullest extent, and the point aimed at as a limit. In other words, Jesus loved his disciples to the fullest measure and to the very end of his earthly life. So he removed his outer garments, tied a towel around his waist, poured water into a basin, and washed their feet one by one. All them, including Judas who was about to betray him.
The common task of foot washing
People in that day wore sandals. So footwashing dusty feet was a common practice after entering someone’s home. But it was a menial task reserved for servants. For a rabbi like Jesus to willingly perform it was very uncommon. You can imagine the raised eybrows and exchanged, puzzled looks between the disciples at Jesus’ actions.
The Greek term for “laid aside” in John 13:4 is tithēmi and is the same term used in John 10:11. “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” It described a physical act, but also carries a theological meaning. Jesus laid aside his deity to die for us. The Apostle Paul affirms this in his letter to the Philippians.
Who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (ESV, Philippians 2:6-8)
A study of John 13:1-17 reveals a spiritual meaning in the godly act.
Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me. The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean.(ESV, John 13:8,10)
Peter objects when Jesus prepares to wash his feet. For Jesus to perform the task of a slave was unthinkable to him. Maybe even shamed him a bit considering the times he and the other disciples argued about who among them was the greatest. But his understanding of Jesus’ actions was based on a physical level. Therefore, Jesus pointed out the spiritual meaning those actions represented.
He bluntly says that without the washing Peter would have no share with him. Jesus once again uses something from everyday life to communicate a profound, spiritual meaning. In this case, it was the necessity of spiritually washing away Peter’s sin through his sacrifice on the cross.
Without the spiritual cleansing provided by Jesus there is no forgiveness of sin, union with Christ, or eternal life. Peter likely didn’t fully understand what Jesus was saying, but sensed its spiritual importance and became immediately enthusiasic in his acceptance. And even suggested additional cleaning beyond his feet.
The spiritual need for ongoing cleaning
Jesus continues with another another spiritual truth to the footwashing. Once Peter’s body is spiritually cleansed by Jesus he is granted eternal life. But he still continues to sin. And he is soiled by that sin like dust soils his sandal clad feet. Therefore, regular confession and forgiveness of sin becomes an ongoing practice of discipleship.
This is also true for Christ-followers today. We are saved when we believe in Jesus, confess our sins in repentance and follow him. But we still sin and it collects in our hearts in daily life. Our salvation is secure in Jesus Christ. But the daily collection of sin must be washed off like the collection of dust on our feet through regular confession and forgiveness. Full washing represents salvation. Foot washing represents ongoing sanctification of the believer pursuing a holy life.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (ESV, 1John 1:9)
A study of John 13:1-17 reveals a godly example for disciples to follow.
You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. (ESV, John 13:13-15)
There is beautiful simplicity in the spiritual message of the footwashing. There’s the deep, theological meaning of Jesus washing away our sins and granting us eternal life. And at the same time, an example of what genuine spiritual leadership involves. It moves beyond giving directions to demonstrating servanthood. Beyond telling to showing.
Did Jesus instruct and give commands? Yes. But in the end, in the final moments of his ministry with the disciples, the last lesson was on loving those he led and demonstrating that love through service. Ultimately by sacrificing his life. His lasting impression was an action that spoke louder than words.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
A Family Friendly Funny Book
Family Stew is a warm, laugh-out-loud collection of stories on life in a middle-class, suburban Christian family. With a storyteller’s heart and a comedian’s timing, Tudor captures the messiness, chaos, and joy experienced when faith, parenting, and daily routines collide.
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