Have You Washed Any Feet Lately?
In our text today John records for us the last act of service which Jesus performed for His disciples before His arrest, trial and crucifixion. Jesus had sent
Peter and John to Jerusalem to prepare the Passover for Himself and the rest of the apostles (Luke 22:8). During the meal Jesus got up from the supper, took off his outer garments, laid them aside and then took a towel and wrapped it around his waist. He then poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples feet — drying them with the towel with which He had girded Himself.
When Jesus had finished washing the feet of the disciples, He put his garments back on, took His place at the table and asked them, “Do you know what I have done to you?” (v. 12).
I believe this is the lesson Jesus is seeking to communicate to His disciples, especially since they have been arguing recently over which of them was the greatest:
a. On the way from Caesarea Philippi to Capernaum (Mark 9:34; Luke 9:46).
b. Here, at the Passover meal (Luke 22:24).
As we think about this object lesson used by Jesus to teach His disciples a very important truth, I would like for us to consider three questions:
a. What are we doing when we wash the feet of others?
b. How do we wash feet?
c. Why should we wash one another’s feet?