Washing the Disciples’ Feet

JOHN 13:3-17, 34, 35

GOLDEN TEXT: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved, you, that ye also love one another.”—John 13:34

JESUS was the greatest teacher of all time. He taught by word and by deed, by plain phrase and by parables. And he knew how to say and do the right things at times when they would be the most effective. The washing of the disciples’ feet in that upper room shortly before his arrest and crucifixion is a good example of effectively timing an object lesson. Luke informs us that there was strife among the disciples as to who would be greatest among them. (Luke 22:24,25) In this circumstance the Master saw an opportunity to demonstrate the true spirit of humility and service essential for each of his followers to possess if worthy of joint-heirship with him in his kingdom.

Later, after the Holy Spirit had been given, John saw a still deeper lesson in this feet-washing example. He indicates that it was because Jesus knew of the high position he occupied in the divine plan, and because of his own close personal relationship with the Creator of the Universe, that he washed his disciples’ feet. The thought evidently is that by this act of humble service the Master demonstrated the divine motive which controls the Heavenly Father in all that he does.

As we look around us in thoughtful meditation we begin to realize that the principle of service pervades the whole creative scheme of God, extending even to inanimate objects. Each created thing has been made to serve something else so that all the works of creation are interdependent; and all creation, animate and inanimate, depends upon God who is the servant supreme. Jesus, as John explains, had come from God, and he was returning to God; hence he knew all about God. He knew God’s viewpoint and motive. He understood God and his plans so well that he had been entrusted with full jurisdiction over “all things.” It was because of this, John says, that Jesus washed his disciples’ feet as an example of godlike humility, brotherly interest and service.

How difficult it is for fallen humanity to grasp this viewpoint of unselfish interest in one another! Even Spirit-begotten Christians often fail to see it clearly, or else falter in carrying out the principle of unselfish service in their daily lives. Due to six thousand years of the misrule of selfishness, it seems well nigh impossible to rise above the faithless viewpoint that one’s life consists of the abundance of the things which he possesses. We keep right on trying to acquire and possess all we can of that which appeals to us most, whether it be money, property, fine clothes, influence, prestige, power over our fellows, or other supposedly valuable assets. It was this human evaluation of greatness that the disciples were striving about when Jesus gave them the feet-washing lesson.

The lust for positions of advantage over others has been a curse to the world, and a severe test among the true people of God. The question as to who shall be greatest has caused much of the blood spilling throughout all the centuries during the time the human race has warred against one another, and it has caused unnumbered heartaches in the church of God. Jesus was crucified because the scribes and Pharisees were jealous of their position of authority in Israel.

Feet washing was a menial service, and those who performed it were certainly not considered chief, or greatest. The disciples were striving among themselves for positions of prominence but they evidently still recognized Jesus as their real Master, so Peter at first refused to allow Jesus to wash his feet. Jesus explained that he could not be clean nor have any part with him unless he was thus washed. Evidently Jesus wanted Peter and all his disciples to understand that this humble service was symbolic of a heart-cleansing from the defilements of selfish ambition, for he told them that they were to serve one another as he was serving them. Through Jesus we are washed by the water of the Word, and we are also thus to wash one another.

Our Golden Text is a familiar one—one of the most quoted texts of the Bible: “That ye also love one another as I have loved you.” Jesus’ love for his disciples took him to death on the cross. His washing of their feet was but a token of what he was willing to do for them and for us—and this by the One who had been promised all power in heaven and in earth! The lesson is obvious. The true Christian viewpoint is that of faithful, humble service even unto death. Whatever is to be gained—which is much—God will take care of. But first we must learn to serve and thus to take our place of responsibility in the divine plan. Jesus said that if we know these things, happy are we if we do them.

QUESTIONS:

Under what circumstances did Jesus wash the disciples’ feet?

How can we wash one another’s feet?

Should Christian service, or the reward for service be the chief incentive to faithfulness?

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