Jesus Washes His Disciples Feet

Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. John 13:1-15

Steps: 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12

At this Passover celebration Jesus recognized that His disciples were still striving to be number one (Luke 22:24) and to be the leader. But Jesus, the recognized Leader displayed His leadership by being a servant unto all of His disciples by washing their feet. He washed their feet because none of the disciples were willing to be a servant to their brothers, and to give them an example of washing one another’s feet as a part of the Lord’s Supper. He washed Judas’ feet and He washed Peter’s feet along with the other ten. Peter, speaking for the disciples, protested the fact that Jesus washed his feet but Jesus told him that if he did not partake in this experience he would have nothing to do with Him, and Peter then was willing to submit. After washing everyone’s feet Jesus declared that they were all clean except one. Jesus thus set the stage for the fellowship of His disciples regarding spiritual cleanliness.

Prayer for Today: God, help us to be willing to allow You to wash our feet and our hearts, and our actions, that we may be of service to You and Your children. Grant us victory over our pride and self-sufficiency and help us to be willing to accept Your gifts for us.