April 23, 2026 - Feet First
- brooks16055
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
John 13:4-5 NIV
[4] so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. [5] 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.
Jesus starts the Passover dinner by washing the feet of the disciples. The job of a servant.
John 13:6-9 NIV
[6] He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” [7] Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” [8] “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” [9] “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
Peter the rock the church will be built on can't bear the idea of Jesus doing this for him. He passionately states that Jesus should never wash his feet. Whether he is thinking that it is an act beneath Jesus or that he the disciple of the teacher is unworthy. He can't see how this could be acceptable in their culture. But when Jesus tells him that it is necessary for Peter to be His disciple Peter as always goes all in. He takes his obedience to the extreme. If washing the feet is good then washing all of me is even better.
John 13:10-15 NIV
[10] Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” [11] For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. [12] When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. [13] “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. [14] Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. [15] I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
Jesus in essence says simmer down now Peter. You don't need me to do more than what I am doing. I know your heart. In fact, He knew the heart of every one of them. Even the one who was going to betray Him. And still He washed all of their feet. He was not just showing then that they are to serve others and put others first, but that the should even serve those who would harm them.
We are called to be humble. Which means to put the needs of others ahead of ourselves. I just talked to someone who heard this story who was totally astonished that Jesus would wash Judas' feet. The idea of doing that for someone who would cause you such pain and grief was a difficult concept to accept. I pray that it is the beginning of God working out forgiveness and grace in that person's life.
If you struggle with loving the unlovable spend some time thinking about Jesus washing the feet of Judas.
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