A FOOT-WASHING GOD

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.” —John 13:3, 4

There are many superlatives in this short description, setting the scene for Jesus to wash the dusty feet of His disciples: “Now he showed them the full extent of his love” (John 13:2, NLT, note); “all things under His power;” He “had come from God and was returning to God.” Something momentous was about to take place. So He took off His cloak, wrapped a towel around His waist “and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him” (John 13:5). The language of these verses tells us something significant—that He washed their feet because of who He was, because He had all the power in the world, because He had come from God, and because of the fullness of His love.

The other Gospels describe the lead-up to this meal—how the disciples were arguing among themselves about who was or would be the greatest in Jesus’ kingdom. With these arguments echoing in their minds, it was Peter, as the spokesperson in this story, who recognized the offensive nature of what Jesus was doing—and protested.

In a sense, he was protesting about the nature of the kingdom Jesus kept insisting upon. He feared—but he also knew—that if their Lord and Teacher acted in this way, this would be the example they would be expected to emulate.

And this is exactly what Jesus said: “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15). This humble but powerful act took place because Jesus was who He said He was. His disciples should not be afraid to follow His example because Jesus was God, and He called them to be like Him.