A Reflection on the Washing of Feet

A couple of days ago I was thinking about the time that Jesus washed His disciple's feet, and I was struck by a thought, that this was a precursor to His crucifixion.  I have never had that thought before, that I can remember, so I figured I should spend some time fleshing it out, especially since this is Holy Week.

Here is the story, from the Gospel of John 13:2-17 NIV:

[2] "The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. [3] Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; [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.

[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!”

[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. [16] Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. [17] Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."

The particular thought that ran through my mind, was how Jesus had basically bared His upper body, taking off His outer garments.  I am not sure if we can make that assumption and the Greek is unclear, but I know if I took off my outer garments, I would be bare chested.

Anyway, I was thinking that in the baring of Himself, taking a towel around his waist and becoming as a servant, He was embracing the complete humiliation that He would endure on the cross in a very short while.

I was thinking of the complete vulnerability He had in front of His friends.  He didn't hide himself in shame, or out of pride, but uncovered Himself and served them as a lowly servant would do.

I was thinking that the cleansing of the feet, the dirt and dung from the world, is very symbolic of His cleansing us of all our sins, and all the affects of the world.

I was thinking that each time Jesus bent down to wash another of the disciple's feet, He had to unwrap the towel, again embracing humility for each and every one He touched.  His love for us is so personal and intimate.

I was thinking that here, He voluntarily stripped off His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist, in humility, and the next day Jesus had his clothes stripped off him forcefully, and this precursor was an example of His choosing willingly to go to the cross.

Finally, I was thinking of the striking image of complete contrasts this would provide to those who witnessed the coming events, seeing His body one day, whole and healthy compared to the next day when He was beaten and bloody!  It is clear that this was all embraced and accepted by the Lord, for love of us all.

I guess in my mind, I could see this image of Jesus kneeling in front of them, bare chested with a towel wrapped around His waist playing as a flash-back in the minds of the disciples, as they saw Him stripped and beaten.

Oh, that we would grasp even a small bit of all that Jesus has done for us, in setting us free, in paying the price for our sins, in taking on the punishment for us all!  That we might understand His intimate love!  His humility and service! That we might do as He has done (verse 15 above).

Lord, help us to learn to love each other as You loved us!  Help us to serve and love and embrace humility.  Let us be thankful for Your amazing love and sacrifice.