…He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist.5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.”9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.”11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
John 13:1-20 (ESV)
The washing of feet was an act traditionally performed by servants or people of lower social status as a service to their masters or employers during the times of the scripture. It was a display of love and honor in a humbling yet scandalous way for a Rabbi or teacher to wash the feet of their students or followers. Therefore, it was a significant event for the disciples to receive this from Jesus. Peter’s response, “You shall never wash my feet,” was not due to his insecurity but rather his feeling of unworthiness to be treated as such by his leader and dear friend, Jesus.
However, Peter did not fully understand why Jesus washed his feet, and neither did the other disciples. They were overwhelmed by the act of blessing Jesus displayed to them and did not know the depth of what it truly meant. This was evident when Peter requested that Jesus wash his hands and head as well. Peter failed to recognize his brokenness and fixation on religion over his relationship with the Son of God. He was excited about receiving the ceremonial washing as a religious act of blessing and cleansing. It was still all about him, what he was receiving in that moment, and he did not realize what Jesus was about to do.
Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, even though he knew that they would all abandon him. He even washed Judas’ feet, despite knowing that he would betray him and hand him over to the Sanhedrin to be beaten and crucified.
When we think about what Jesus has done for us, even though we continue to sin, we are overwhelmed by the extent of his love for us. Does the news of what Jesus has already done for you fill you with freedom and joy?
We need Jesus not only today and in the past but also in the future. We are powerless in our sin, but it is through his blood that we are cleansed and made ready for eternity with him.
Are you just excited and burdened about the benefits of religion, or are you humbled and amazed by what Jesus has already done for you on the cross? Jesus desires for you to know the full extent of his love for you and to walk with him daily in a personal relationship.
T H E O P H I L U S 
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