What was the significance of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples?
- Answer to the question Taking place in the upper room, at the Last Supper, Jesus washing the feet of his followers (John 13:1–17) is significant for three reasons.
- It was a demonstration of Jesus’ humility and servanthood on the part of the crowd.
- For the disciples, the washing of their feet represented a stark contrast to the sentiments they held in their hearts at the time.
- Our duty as members of Christ’s body is symbolized by washing one other’s feet.
- Walking in sandals on the unclean highways of Israel in the first century made it very necessary to wash feet before a community meal, especially when individuals sat at a low table with their feet prominently displayed.
At the time of Jesus’ rising from the table and beginning to wash his disciples’ feet (John 13:4), He was doing the menial task of a servant.This gesture of humility and condescension on Christ’s part, that He, their Lord and master, should wash the feet of His disciples when it was their appropriate responsibility to have cleaned His, must have taken them by surprise.However, when Jesus came to earth for the first time, He did not come as King and Conqueror, but rather as the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53, as the prophet had predicted.Jesus stated in Matthew 20:28 that He came ″not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many″ (not to be served but to serve).His act of humility and love with the towel and basin anticipated His final act of humility and love on the cross, which took place at Calvary.It was Jesus’ attitude of servanthood that stood in stark contrast to that of the disciples, who had only lately been debating among themselves over who was the greatest among them (Luke 22:24).
Neither of them would have thought of washing one another’s feet if there had been no servant present to do it for them.It was as though they had been startled into silence when the Lord Himself took on such a menial work.″You shall never wash my feet!″ Peter said, to his credit, as the Lord washed his feet.″You shall never wash my feet!″ Peter exclaimed, never one to be caught short of words.
Then Jesus stated something that had to have startled Peter even more: ″Unless I wash you, you have no part with me″ (John 13:8), leading Peter, who had a real affection for the Savior, to beg a thorough washing from the Savior himself.When Jesus finished, He taught what it really meant to be washed by Him.It wasn’t necessary to wash Peter’s feet again in the spiritual sense because he had already been cleansed by the blood of Christ.Unlike salvation, which is a one-time act of justification by faith, sanctification is a lifetime process that involves being washed clean from the stain of sin that we experience as we move through the world.Peter and the disciples—all of them, with the exception of Judas, who had never joined to Christ—only need this temporary purification.This is only one of the truths that Christians may take away from this occurrence and apply to their own lives.
First and foremost, when we turn to Christ for forgiveness of our sins, we may be confident that it is a permanent and thorough cleansing.The fact that our sin has been exchanged for the complete righteousness of Christ on the cross means that no deed can further purify us from our sin (2 Corinthians 5:21).The repercussions of living in the flesh in a sin-cursed world, on the other hand, necessitate a continuous purification.The ongoing washing of sanctification is accomplished via the power of the Holy Spirit, who lives within us, and is accomplished through the ″washing of water by the Word″ (Ephesians 5:26), which has been given to us in order to equip us for every good deed (2 Timothy 3:16–17).When Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, He told them (and us) that He had done it as a ″model,″ and that they should ″do as I have done to you″ (John 13:15).As His disciples, we are to follow in His footsteps, serving one another with humility of heart and mind, and striving to lift one another up in love and humility as we serve one another.
- When we desire to be at the top of the heap, we displease the Lord, who has promised that genuine grandeur in His kingdom will be gained by those who have a heart of service (Mark 9:35; 10:44).
- We shall be abundantly blessed when we have the heart of a servant, as the Lord has promised to us (John 13:17).
- Questions regarding John can be found here.
- Is it important to understand why Jesus washed the feet of his disciples?
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Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet John 13:1-38 With Commentary
Unlike what one would anticipate a teacher to do, washing the disciple’s feet was most often the responsibility of a servant or their subservient wife and children, according to historical records (1 Sam 25:41) Jesus, knowing the impending events would change the disciple’s lives forever, proceeded to educate and prepare them for His death and resurrection.
Jesus Washes the Disciple’s Feet
- John 13:1-16 is a biblical passage.
- Verse 1 (in English): ″Now, just before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus saw that the time had come for him to go from this world and return to the Father, he loved his own who were still in the world, and he loved them until the the end.
- In chapters 13-17, the word ″love″ is used 31 times in total.
- It is the willingness to lay down one’s life for another that characterizes Godly love.
- To love unconditionally to the end of one’s life is a beautiful thing.
Knowing that Judas would betray Him, that He would be disowned by Peter, and that He would be abandoned by all of the other disciples, Jesus starts a display of the depths of His love for them.Verse 2: ″During supper, when the devil had already planted the seed of betrayal in the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son,″ Because it appears that this meal did not take place during the time most people believe to be the normal time for the Passover Feast, there is considerable debate as to whether this meal they shared was the ″Last Supper″ or the ″Passover Meal,″ as others have suggested.However, although it is an intriguing subject, it is fairly irrelevant in our study of John’s Gospel because John does not provide these specifics, but instead begins this instruction with Jesus washing the disciple’s feet.We can only speculate as to why Judas would desire to betray Jesus, given that he was chosen to be one of His disciples.Many academics argue that Judas anticipated Jesus to become King and that he would naturally become the treasure as a result of this expectation.However, as Jesus thanked Mary for anointing Him with the costly perfume, Judas recognized that His kingdom would not be physical or political, but spiritual, and that this would not fulfill his insatiable craving for money and social standing.
His betrayal of Jesus netted him a little sum of money and, for a limited period of time, elevated him in the eyes of the religious authorities.Following this, Judas expressed his sorrow for his conduct and sought to repay the money.Jesus Washes the Feet of the Disciples: Verse 3 and 4: ″Jesus rose from his dinner, aware that the Father had placed all things in his hands, and that he had come from God and was returning to God, and that he had come from the Father.He removed his outer clothing and wrapped a towel around his waist, tying it in place.″ This suggests Jesus was clothed in a tunic (a shorter garment akin to a long undershirt), which was the type of clothing slaves used when they were serving meals (Lk 12:37; 17:8).
Jesus then wrapped a linen towel around his waist and used it to wipe the soles of their feet.Jewish scripture states that whereas Jewish bond slaves were not obligated to wash the feet of others, Gentile bond slaves were required to do so, according to the text (Ex 21:2).The fifth verse reads, ″And he took a basin and started to wash the disciples’ feet, wiping them with the towel that he had wrapped around his waist.″ Although it was customary for a servant to wash the feet of visitors, Jesus took advantage of the situation to teach His students a lesson in humility and selfless devotion.″He came to Simon Peter, who asked him, ″Lord, do you wash my feet?″, according to verse 6.″ 7 ″You do not comprehend what I am doing right now,″ Jesus said, ″but you will understand hereafter.″ Jesus stated that washing Simon Peter’s feet was ″essential″ to Him and that He would do it.Jesus was well aware that He was washing the feet of a man who would shortly deny ever having known Him.
Most traditions in today’s world, according to documented reports, would find the Setting to be a difficult arrangement to accommodate.The disciples would have been reclining on couches around the tables in a fashion that allowed them to keep their feet away from the table, if possible.Jesus would have gone to the outside of this circle and washed the feet of each individual.Verse 8 and 9: ″″You will never wash my feet again,″ Peter told him emphatically.Jesus responded to him by saying, ″If I do not wash you, you are not entitled to a piece of my food.Simon ″Lord, not only my feet, but also my hands, and even my head!″ Peter said to him.
- In that culture, there were tight social status limits, and Jesus washing the disciple’s feet breached those norms to such an extent that Peter believed it unfathomable at the time.
- Verse 10 reads as follows: ″In response, Jesus responded, ″The one who has washed does not require washing, save for his feet, since he has been thoroughly cleansed.″ And you’re all clean, but not all of you at the same time.″ The term ″bathing″ was traditionally used to refer to a ceremonial washing ritual that was necessary before anybody could participate in the Feast of the Passover, as in this case (John 11:55).
- However, the way Jesus used the word ″bathing″ would indicate that it was meant to be spiritually cleaning.
- Verse 11 (translated as follows: ″For he was well aware of who would betray him, which is why he stated, ″Not all of you are pure.″ Judas’ betrayal of Jesus would result in his being declared unclean.
- Despite the fact that Jesus had known from the beginning that Judas would betray Him, he had included him in the ritual foot washing.
- ″When he had finished washing their feet and putting on his outer clothing and returning to his seat, he asked them, ″Do you realize what I have done to you?″ says verse 12.″ After washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus inquired as to whether or not they were aware of what He had done to them.
- It is apparent that they did not grasp the significance of what had happened until after the crucifixion.
- As a result, Jesus provided an answer to His own question: Verse 13 through 15: ″You address me as Teacher and Lord, and you are correct in doing so, for that is exactly what I am.
- 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you should likewise wash one another’s feet.
- 15For I have set an example for you, and you should follow my example by doing the same thing that I have done for you.″ The idea was for students to learn by emulating their professors.
- The example Jesus had set was a lesson in ″humility,″ as the saying goes.
- During that time period, humility was scorned and regarded as a sign of weakness.
- The disciples were reeling from what they perceived to be a humiliating experience when Jesus replied to them, ″Do not be embarrassed.″ ″Your Lord and Teacher, I, have washed your feet; now it is your turn to do the same for one another.
I have set an example for you, and I want you to follow my lead in the same way.″ The washing of others’ feet, according to some Bible scholars, was not intended to be a practice that would be performed on a regular basis, and that Jesus had done it simply to explain the meaning of the term ″servant-hood.″ Others, on the other hand, consider it to be a directive from Jesus himself.Is it possible to deny that the act of washing the feet of another is a genuine display of love, humility, and obedience, according to certain people?The Compassion of a Servant Jesus frequently spoke about having the heart of a servant in his teachings.During Jesus’ day, slaves were frequently forced to wash the feet of their employers, as well as the feet of others.
It is often the case in today’s society that someone who has a servant’s mentality is one of the most adored and helpful persons you will ever meet.Even corporate executives with the compassionate heart of a servant can put you at rest in any scenario they find themselves in.A person may offer to bring you a cup of coffee or something else to make you more comfortable while you are at a meeting or party.Foot washing, as illustrated by Jesus, is done from the heart and is more beneficial to the one who is performing the washing than it is to the one who is being washed.
It wasn’t the unclean feet that Jesus was worried about when He instructed the disciples to wash the feet of others; rather, it was the hearts of those conducting the washing.I receive money from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate, which means I get paid to write about Jesus washing the disciples’ feet.hundreds of pages including articles, studies, and resources on Christian topics Contribute to spreading the gospel of Jesus throughout the world.Custom Searches are available.Maryville, TN 37802 Samuel L Mills PO Box 4456 Maryville, TN 37802
Why Did Jesus Wash the Disciples’ Feet at Passover?
- It is one of the most poignant depictions of our Savior’s heart of love for us that the tale of Jesus bending to the ground and gently handing his disciples feet so that they might comfortably dine together is told.
- So many elements of his disciples’ life were important to Jesus, it was unbelievable!
- He was willing to get his hands dirty in order to reach, teach, and demonstrate undeserved love to his motley crew of followers.
- Today, this is still the case.
- Jesus is concerned about even the smallest things of your life and is prepared to become dirty in order to demonstrate his affection for you.
God is not unconcerned with any of your anxieties, wants, or stresses, no matter how minor they appear to be to you at the time.He is concerned about everything, including our filthy feet!The deeds of Jesus in this text serve us a model for what it means to follow in his footsteps with our life.The call on our lives is to be servants of others, to live with humility, and to love unconditionally in every situation.Christ-Followers are asked to behave themselves in a manner that is highly contrary to popular culture.Let’s take a closer look at what we may learn from the tale of Jesus washing the feet of his followers at the Passover Seder.
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Where Does the Bible Talk about Jesus Washing the Disciples’ Feet?
- According to the Gospels, the tale of Jesus washing the feet of his followers is found in Matthew 26:14-39, Luke 22:24-27, and John 13:1-17, among other places.
- This occurred in the upper room during the Last Supper, and it was witnessed by Jesus.
- According to the biblical story, when Jesus’ followers gathered at a special meeting, he meekly assumed the position of the house servant and began washing the feet of each of his disciples one by one.
- The Last Supper was a meeting that took place on the night of Jesus’ death.
- Jesus and his followers shared their last meal together before his death on the cross, and it was a bittersweet moment.
It was at this supper that Jesus instituted the first communion with the disciples and revealed Judas as his betrayer, both of which occurred at the same time.Feet washing was a mandatory habit during this time period when a group of people gathered to have a meal together.The men would have walked into the building with their shoes dusty and muddy from the roads.It would have been required to clean the feet since the company would have most likely been reclining together at a low table and unclean feet would not have been accepted so near to their food.It was the servant of a household’s responsibility to wash the feet of guests who arrived at the door.
Why Did Jesus Do This and What Was the Significance of Washing Their Feet?
- This personal moment in which Jesus washed the feet of his followers was filled with profound importance for both his disciples and for all Christians who endeavor to follow in Jesus’ footsteps and teach others to do the same.
- This act of selflessness demonstrated Jesus’ incredible humility!
- When it came time to wash the dusty and dirt-covered feet of his followers, Jesus assumed the position of a servant.
- Through his modest behaviors, Jesus was offering an outstanding example of what it means to be ″Christ-like.″ He was unafraid to roll up his sleeves and serve the men who had been by his side during the course of his ministry, regardless of their social standing, pride, or even filth.
- In the weeks leading up to this meeting, the disciples were battling amongst themselves in an attempt to establish who was the ″greatest″ of them (Luke 22:24).
Jesus was demonstrating to them in a very hands-on manner that in his Kingdom the last would be first and the first will be last (Matthew 20:16).Jesus even exhorts his disciples to have the same heart of service for one another as he does for them (John 13:15).He is unambiguous in his belief that servanthood is fundamental to what it means to be his disciple.This washing also serves as a reminder of the cleaning power of Jesus’ blood, which has the ability to wash away our sins.Initially, Peter opposes to Jesus’ acts, but then Jesus rebukes him, noting that unless he bathed him, Peter had no involvement with him (John 13:8).Peter then begs him to wash him from head to toe, as a demonstration of his devotion to the Lord and the gospel.
It is explained by Jesus that Peter does not require washing from head to toe since his acts were indicative of the cleaning power that following Jesus has in our life (John 13:10).Once you have been cleansed by the blood of a lamb, you are no longer stained by sin!There is no need to repeat the washing process.
3 Lessons from Jesus Washing the Disciples’ Feet
- 1.
- God’s Kingdom operates in a reverse chronological order.
- ″Therefore, whoever accepts the humble position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven,″ states Matthew 18:4, according to the Bible.
- Children can be described in a variety of ways, including using terms like as humility, trust, simplicity, joy, wonder, and playfulness, among others.
- In Jesus’ Kingdom, what appears to be rational to adults frequently runs counter to the way God operates.
Jesus proclaims that the least shall be first (Matthew 20:16).His Word exhorts us to serve one another out of love for one another (Galatians 5:13).The Bible instructs us to bring ourselves before the Lord in submission (James 4:10).Matthew 5:38-40 instructs us that when we are wronged, we should not fight back, but instead should offer our wrongdoers a little bit more of ourselves!This is in direct opposition to everything that appears rational, right, or justified in our world!We live in a society where pride, greed, and ambition are the driving forces behind our economic and political institutions.
Money talks, looking out for oneself is highly regarded, and caring for people who are wounded so that one may move ahead is not typically taken into consideration.Jesus’ acts at the Last Supper are intended to serve as a model for how we are to behave as his disciples.He does this on purpose.He makes it quite apparent that we are to serve as the foot washers for our local community.
Our purpose as Believers is to be people who love unconditionally and without reservation at all times.2.Jesus Washes Away Our Sins ″Come now, let us reason together, declares the Lord: though your crimes are red like crimson, they shall be as white as snow; if they are crimson like crimson, they shall become like wool.″ (Isaiah 1:18) Years before Jesus physically walked the world, a prophet warned of the purifying power of Jesus and his followers.During the first communion, which took place at the Last Supper, Jesus’ disciples would have recognized the washing of their feet and the breaking of bread and sharing of wine as symbols of Jesus’ purifying power.When we confess our transgressions to the Lord, he is ready and able to cleanse us from our sins.All of Jesus’ actions culminated in his death on the cross, when he took the punishment for our crimes upon himself, allowing us to be forgiven.
Keep your ″dirty feet″ to yourself and bring it all to the Lord.He is eager and able to set you free from your chains.3.Jesus did not turn out to be what the world expected.Peter was taken aback by Jesus’ acts and pleaded with him to stop, believing that his king and Savior would never fall to the level of a feet-washing-servant in his opinion.Jesus did not live up to the expectations of the world.
- They were seeking for a political liberator, someone who would aid in the restoration of power to the Jewish people, and they believed that their Messiah would be strong in the same manner that the rest of the world evaluates power, which was by military might.
- Jesus possessed extraordinary spiritual abilities and performed several miracles, yet he never aspired to a position of earthly authority or influence.
- While teaching in the synagogues, Jesus criticized the Pharisees (Matthew 23), avoided political conflict (John 18:10-11), and maintained the posture of a servant throughout his career.
- Meanwhile, Jesus’ disciples were preoccupied with the question of who would be assigned the greatest seat in Heaven next to Jesus.
- It wasn’t until after Jesus’ death and resurrection that the complete image of Jesus as a Messiah and their anticipated Savior could be grasped, because he never behaved in the manner in which they had expected him to while on Earth.
- Do our expectations of what it means to be a Christ-Follower match up with the example set by Jesus when we think about what it means to be one?
- Putting God in a box, believing that he should act in ways that make sense to our earthly sensibilities, is a simple exercise.
- God, according to the Bible, is not always willing to play by our rules.
- Jesus came to show us what the Kingdom of Heaven is like in order for us to be able to become a member of it ourselves.
- Reading the Gospels and learning about Jesus’ life is a wonderful opportunity to remind us of all the ways Jesus is never what we anticipate but, in every sense, better than what we expect when we come to him.
- Photograph courtesy of Getty Images/Carlosphotos Amanda Idleman is a writer whose life’s work is to inspire people to live more completely and cheerfully.
- She has written devotions for My Daily Bible Verse Devotional and Podcast, Crosswalk Couples Devotional, the Daily Devotional App, and has had work published with Her View from Home, on the MOPS Blog, and is a regular contributor for Crosswalk.com.
- She is also a regular contributor for Crosswalk.com.
Amanda has a Facebook page where you can learn more about her and she also has an Instagram account.Learn more about the meaning and significance of the Easter festival and Holy Week events by reading the following articles: What is the significance of Palm Sunday?What is the significance of Maundy Thursday?What is the significance of Good Friday?
What is the significance of Holy Saturday?What exactly is Easter?At Easter, the Son of God took on the sins of the world and beat the devil, death, and the grave in a single battle.Then, how come the most magnificent period in human history is surrounded by scared fisherman, loathed tax collectors, marginalized women, wimpy politicians, and disloyal friends?
When you read The Characters of Easter, you’ll get to know the odd group of regular individuals who were there to witness the miracle of Christ’s death and resurrection.As a devotional or study for both individuals and groups, this FREE audio offers a fresh perspective on the Lenten season.It is available to download now.
9. Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet (Matthew 26:14-39; Luke 22:24-27; John 13:1-17)
- The main point of the presentation is that Jesus wants us to do for others what He has done for ourselves.
- Your feet have been cleansed by me, your Lord and Teacher, according to the key verse.
- As a result, you should also wash each other’s feet.
- I’ve provided you with an example.
- You should follow my lead and do what I have done for you.
– John 13:14-15 (NASB) Props include a small bucket or basin, a towel, water, an adult volunteer who is prepared to have their feet washed, and a bicycle (if applicable).Atmosphere: In the center of the room, place a short table with a few chairs.To create the illusion of nightfall, use a large number of candles and teach this with dim illumination.
Background/Review
- Say something like: We have been studying a great deal about Jesus.
- It was revealed to us last week that Jesus desires for us to remember Him.
- He left us with a ″image″ — the act of communion.
- It is our intention to remember Jesus and all that He has done for us as we partake in the sacrament of communion.
- Today, we’ll take a look at what Jesus was up to in the last hours before He died on the cross.
Keep in mind that Jesus is God, and He is fully aware of everything!He was well aware that He would be laying down His life very shortly.
Jesus Washes The Disciples’ Feet (John 13:1-17)
- Consider the following scenario: We are at the Last Supper on the night before Jesus realized He was going to die.
- He was on the verge of being betrayed by Judas, one of His own followers.
- Jesus would be beaten, mocked, and crucified to a cross in the not too distant future.
- Despite the fact that Jesus was aware of all of these things, His followers could not comprehend that He was going to die and then rise again to life.
- When you consider what Jesus did for His followers on the very last night He spent with them, it’s rather remarkable.
Teacher: You have the opportunity to demonstrate this.Say: Jesus rose from his seat at the table.He draped a towel over His waist to keep warm.He filled a huge dish halfway with water.After that, He began to wash the feet of His disciples.Using a towel that he had wrapped around himself, he dried them off.
Foot washing was a need in every family back in those days.The streets were strewn with dust and filth.In certain cases, rubbish and feces from the animals that moved up and down the same routes may be seen on the roads.Sandals were worn without socks back then, and the feet of individuals who wore them may get quite filthy.
At dinnertime, it was customary to take a seat at the table and relax throughout the evening meal.A foul scent during a meal makes it difficult to enjoy oneself, don’t you think?Ordinarily, the lowest-ranking servant in the home was tasked with washing the shoes of guests.Having your guests’ feet cleaned was a nice way to express your appreciation for them.Because the final supper was held in a private house, with just Jesus and His apostles present, it is understandable that there were no servants present at the dinner.Simon Peter received a visit from (Jesus).
Jesus asked Peter, ″Are you going to wash my feet?″ Peter replied, ″Yes, Lord.″ ″You are completely unaware of what I am doing right now,″ Jesus said.″However, you will come to understand later.″ ″No,″ Peter stated emphatically.″I’m not going to let you wash my feet.″ ″Unless I wash you, you will not be able to share life with Me,″ Jesus said.″Lord,″ Simon addressed the audience.″It’s not only my feet,″ Peter clarified.″I’m going to wash my hands and my head as well!″ In response, Jesus said, ″A person who has had a bath just needs to wash his feet.
- The remainder of his body is free of impurities.
- And you’re completely clean.
- ″However, this is not the case for everyone.″ – John 13:6–10 (NIV) Consider the following question: Who do you believe Jesus is referring to here when He states that not all of you are ″clean″?
- Judas.
- What do you believe Jesus was attempting to teach us by washing the feet of His disciples?
- Jesus desires for us to be of service to others; he desires for us to think about others.
- To put it another way, Jesus was demonstrating to His followers how much He cherished them (John 13:1) and that they should use their gifts to help others (John 13:14).
- ″Do you realize what I’ve done for you?″ says the therapist.
- He inquired of them.
- ″You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’″ I say.
- You are absolutely correct.
- That is exactly who I am.
- Your feet have been cleaned by me, your Lord and Teacher.
As a result, you should also wash each other’s feet.I’ve provided you with an example.″You should follow my lead and do as I have done for you.″ What I’m going to tell you is completely accurate.The importance of a servant does not outweigh the importance of his master.
Moreover, a messenger isn’t any more significant than the one who dispatches him.You are now aware of these facts.So if you follow these instructions, you will be blessed.- John 13:12b-17 (NASB) Application: We should serve others, according to one of the lessons that Jesus was teaching us.
As long as Jesus, who is Lord of all, is prepared to reduce Himself to the level of the least important servant by washing the feet of His companions, then we, too, should be willing to serve others in the same manner.Jesus instructed us to follow in His footsteps.However, foot cleaning was quite frequent in biblical times, but it is not that common today.Consider the following question: What is anything you could do today to help another person in need?Keep an ear out for responses.
Cleansing Of Sin (John 13:8-11)
- Tell the narrative: One of the many amazing aspects of each Bible story is that the Lord is generally attempting to teach us more than one lesson at a time.
- The Bible is a treasure trove of information!
- With each reading, God has the opportunity to reveal something new about Himself and your relationship with Him.
- Another lesson we can take away from Jesus washing the feet of His disciples is that we all require daily cleaning through forgiveness in order to enjoy fellowship with the Lord in our lives.
- When a believer attempts to walk with the Lord, study the Word, pray, or serve Him while having a history of sin in his or her life, he or she is represented as unwashed feet.
It is my understanding that the individual is aware that he is repeating the same sin, but is reluctant to make an effort to quit doing so….As an illustration, suppose a boy has a habit of speaking disrespectfully to his mother.The youngster is aware that the Bible states, ″All of you must show reverence for your mother and father,″ among other things.(See Leviticus 19:3 for further information.) The son, on the other hand, disregards God’s word and speaks to his mother in a rude and snarky manner.To put it another way, that boy’s feet are dirty symbolically!With dirt on his feet, how can the youngster ever walk with Jesus, who is immaculate and pure, while his feet are coated in filth?
″If you love Me, you will obey whatever I command,″ Jesus declared.(See also John 14:15.) By disobeying Jesus’ commandments and continuing to engage in wrongdoing, the young boy is demonstrating that his relationship with Jesus is of little value to him.The inverse is also true: if the child learns that the Bible teaches him to respect his mother and, as a result, goes to Jesus and asks for forgiveness as well as the grace to stop speaking negatively about his mother, the youngster is telling Jesus that he loves Him and wants to obey Him.To put it another way, would you want to learn two new Greek terms today?
It’s entertaining to be familiar with vocabulary from another language.The Greek language was used to write the New Testament.In addition, the term ″wash″ is represented by two different words in these passages.Display the following words: the letters NIPTW (pronounced nip-toe), and the letters LOUW (pronounced lu-oh) There is also niptw, which was used for washing only a certain portion of the body, such as the hands, face, or feet, among other things.This is the phrase you might use to describe washing your hands before supper.The second term is louw, which literally translates as ″to bathe one’s body.″ It was used to refer to a thorough cleaning of the complete person’s body.
This is the phrase you might use to describe having a lengthy, hot shower.In verse 10, Jesus made use of both phrases.The following is a possible expression: ″He who has bathed (louw) his complete body just needs to wash (niptw) his feet.″ When Jesus pointed out the distinction between being totally bathed and having one’s feet cleansed by the Lord in verse 10, it was a powerful statement.When a person recognizes his or her helpless, sinful state and turns to Jesus because He died to take away their sin, it is as if the person has had the greatest, most thorough wash imaginable.Jesus cleanses them from the inside out!Their transgression has been forgiven and forgotten (Hebrews 8:12).
- They are the ones that deserve forgiveness (Romans 8:1-2).
- Their wickedness will never be punished and they will never have to pay the price (John 10:28).
- However, as they proceed through life, they commit another transgression (1 John 1:6-10).
- They are unable to live the triumphant kingdom life because of their sin.
- Consequently, they are prevented from remaining in Jesus and bearing spiritual fruit.
- Coming to Jesus, admitting our sins, and repenting of them is like washing our feet in the presence of the Lord.
- In His teachings, Jesus made it very clear that once we place our confidence in Him, we do not require another ″complete bath,″ but simply ″daily purification″ from the sins that arise as we travel along the dusty, muddy pathways of life.
- Teacher: Maintain control of the bicycle next to you.
- Consider the following scenario: I desperately desired a bicycle, so my parents purchased one for me.
- Do you think it’d be ridiculous for me to keep begging for a bicycle?
- Every day, I stood next to this bike and begged my friends and family to ″please purchase me a bike.″ ″I’ve been wanting a bike for a long time.″ It goes without saying that such a thing would be absurd.
- I already have this beautiful bicycle.
- However, the difficulty is that I am not utilizing it to travel around or to have fun.
Despite everything, I continue to walk wherever I go!Now, what would I have to do in order to use this bike in the manner in which it is intended?You have to get on the bike and peddle yourself!To be clear, I already possess the bike in question.
Now all I have to do is get on with it and go!Each and every person who places their faith in Jesus gets cleansed of their sins!Jesus has forgiven them, just as my parents gave me this bicycle as a birthday present.Theirs is the gift of forgiveness!
(Ephesians 1:6-8; 2 Timothy 3:16) There is no need for them to beg for forgiveness again, just as there was no need for me to ask for a bike after my parents previously gave me one.However, we continue to sin on a daily basis; thus, what should we do about our sins?It is said in the Bible that we should confess and repent of our sin (Acts 19:18, Revelation 2:5).Having confessed – accepting God’s judgment that our attitude or deed is sinful Our hearts and minds are changed concerning the sin, and we turn away from it and in the other direction.When I confess and repent, I am able to ″let off″ the sin that had a hold over me (Hebrews 12:1).I’m now able to bask in the glory of triumph.
- I am able to do the tasks that God has set before me because of God’s grace (Ephesians 1:4-14).
- Kindness, goodness, and patience are among the great fruits that I shall bear.
- The forgiveness of Jesus is already available to all who put their confidence in Him, but if we do not confess and repent of our daily sins, we will not allow His forgiveness to transform our lives.
To eventually get on my bike and ride it after years of contemplating and praying about it is like finally getting on my bike and riding it!My life has changed dramatically; it is better in every aspect.All of Jesus’ disciples, with the exception of Judas (who was going to betray Jesus), had placed their confidence and faith in him.They were clean in the sense that they had received a ″complete wash″ of redemption from the punishment of sin.They all, on the other hand, need daily purification – and would continue to require it throughout their lifetimes on earth – in order to enjoy the complete kingdom life.
Once, when Peter refused to let the Lord wash (niptw) his feet, the Lord answered by saying, ″If I do not wash (niptw) your feet, then you have no share (fellowship) with Me.″ Jesus was not implying that Peter could not place his confidence and faith in the Almighty.The question was whether or not Peter would live the successful, kingdom-centered life that Jesus desired for him.Application: The act of admitting and repenting of your everyday sins is the niptw (washing part of oneself) that Jesus stressed as being extremely significant.
You must confess and repent in order to be able to abide in Jesus and allow His grace to flow into your life.It is essential that you visit Jesus on a daily basis for your ″foot washing″ in order to experience the complete kingdom life!POWERPOINT VERSE Your feet have been cleansed by me, your Lord and Teacher, according to the key verse.
- As a result, you should also wash each other’s feet.
- I’ve provided you with an example.
- You should follow my lead and do what I have done for you.
- – John 13:14-15 (NASB) THE MAIN POINT OF THE PPT The main point is that Jesus desires for us to do for others what He has done for us in return.
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Bible Gateway passage: John 13:1-17 – New International Version
Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet
Jesus Washes the Feet of His Disciples
- In this passage from the Bible, Jesus is seen washing the feet of His followers before the Last Supper.
- Discover the events of the tale from the Bible in the sections below, as well as what we may learn from Jesus’ example.
- Here’s where you can get your FREE Holy Week Guide.
- For your own study, you can download and print an 8-Day Scripture and Prayer Guide (PDF).
- 1.
Jesus washing the feet of his disciples.Before the Last Supper, Jesus stood from His seat, threw His clothing aside, collected Himself with a towel, poured water into a basin, and started to wash and clean the feet of the apostles and other guests.2.Peter’s Point of View.″Simon Peter approaches him and asks, ″Lord, dost thou wash my feet?″ Jesus responded in the affirmative.Thou doest not comprehend what I do at this time; but, thou shalt understand it later.
To which Peter responds, ″Thou shall never wash my feet again.″″ As a result, Jesus declared, ″If I do not cleanse thee, thou hast no portion with me.″ 3.Jesus Provides an Explanation.Peter has now gone to the other extreme and demands that he be completely cleaned.″He who is bathed requires nothing more than to wash his feet,″ Jesus responds.
Instead of introducing a new symbol to replace baptism, which was intended to purify the entire person, Jesus makes an explicit distinction between the complete cleanliness required before washing and the partial purification required after bathing.4.The Instruction.″If I, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another’s feet″ (John 13:14), ″I have given you an example, that ye also should do as I have done to you″ (John 13:15), ″I have given you an example, that ye also ought to do as I have done to you″ (John 13:16).(John 13:15).″If ye know these things, ye will be pleased if ye put them into practice.″ Through his service to others, Jesus illustrated the way we should conduct our lives, in the name of the Lord, and washed the feet of His disciples.
Jesus genuinely exemplified humility and love for His neighbors, and we should strive to be like Him in these aspects of our lives.
Why Did Jesus Wash the Feet of His Disciples?
- The following is the whole transcript of the video above: ″In John 13, Jesus is seen washing the feet of his followers.
- The act of washing feet is something we don’t see very often these days; yet, the message here is that He is serving.
- He was demonstrating to them that he was willing to be of assistance to them.
- It was the sort of thing a servant would have completed.
- What he was about to undertake was something that neither the creator of the world nor a monarch would do.
However, Jesus, as the leader, stooped to do a filthy work in order to demonstrate His love for them and His willingness to serve them.I devote a significant amount of time to leadership research.Moreover, when I consider what it means to be a leader, one of the most essential things we can do is to serve others.Instead of delivering commands, it is expected to get down with the people and provide assistance.And we are to serve one another, and I think that it is through this act of service that we will achieve success.Certainly, the disciples recognized that Jesus was serving them, but we can also apply this to the small things that we do, and we may serve Christ by demonstrating who He is in our lives via small acts of service.″ Below you will find the complete Bible text of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples, as well as associated items.
Bible Gateway passage: John 13:1-17 – New International Version
Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet
Washing the Feet of Judas
- It is in John 12 that the whole significance of John 13, in which Jesus is gathered with his followers for the Jewish Passover supper, is revealed.
- This chapter puts all of John’s writings on Jesus up until that time to a close, laying the stage for chapter 13 to follow.
- If we compare John’s presentation of Jesus in chapters 2–11 to the other gospel writers, we see that he does it through seven signs that lead to Jesus’ glory as the risen Son of God.
- Jesus transforms water into wine and cleanses the temple (chapter 2), heals the son of a Roman official (chapter 4), the lame man at the pool of Bethesda (chapter 5), feeds the 5,000 (chapter 6), heals the man born blind (chapter 9) and, finally, raises Lazarus from the dead (chapter 10), among other things (chapter 11).
- The objective of the signs is to establish Jesus’ identity and to encourage people to place their faith in him.
However, John 12:37 laments that ″despite the fact that he had done so many signs before them, they still did not trust in him.″ As a result, in chapter 13, Jesus concludes his public ministry to his people and devotes his remaining time to a private ministry to his followers exclusively, as he approaches his crucifixion.He is bringing together these men who would eventually come together to establish the new community of believers that we now refer to as the church.And the very first thing he teaches this new society is how to wash their feet, which is a lesson in humility.Now, just before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus saw that the time had come for him to go from this world and return to the Father, he loved his own who were still in the world, and he loved them to the very end.2 During supper, after the devil had already implanted the desire to betray Simon into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, the two of them had a conversation.3 Having realized that the Father had placed all things in his hands, and having realized that he had come from God and was returning to God, Jesus rose from his table.
He removed his outer clothing and wrapped a towel around his waist, tying it in place.5 Then he poured water into a basin and began washing the disciples’ feet and wiping them with a cloth that he had tied around his waist (John 13:1–5, emphasis added).There have been many people who have pondered the importance of Jesus’ unexpected gesture.To wash feet is not only degrading, but it was deemed particularly condescending by the Jews who were subjected to the practice.
However, Jesus fully immerses himself in the position of foot-washer, even discarding his outer garment and wrapping a towel over himself, giving him the appearance of a slave.When Jesus washes their feet in the upper room, the disciples were shocked and stunned stillness descended over the room.For a while, at least, until Peter breaks the stillness in order to express his displeasure (John 13:6–10)!However, when Jesus is through, he hammers the lesson’s main message home in 13:14–20 (NIV).The bottom line is that he has bathed their feet to serve as an example for them to follow.If their Lord and Master can serve them by stooping low to wash their feet, then they can definitely serve one another in any way they see fit as well.
To serve others in a humble, compassionate, and selfless manner is the first lesson Jesus has taught the church, and it is the most important.In this remarkable narrative, we are captivated to Jesus and Peter because of the intense reaction that Peter has to Jesus’ words.For the time being, let us contemplate the fact that Jesus not only bathed the feet of Peter, but that he also washed the feet of Judas, the disciple who was ready to betray the Son of God.Later that night, Judas would lead the temple officials to Jesus’ whereabouts, allowing them to covertly capture him and transport him to the Roman capital for trial and execution the following day.The fact that Judas is the elephant in the room has already been brought to the attention of the readers by John when Jesus enjoys the Passover meal with his followers and washes their feet.At the opening of the narrative, John claims that the devil had already grabbed Judas’s heart and convinced him to betray Jesus (13:2).
- Aside from that, as Jesus is washing Peter’s feet, he informs him, ″You are all clean, but not every one of you″ (13:10).
- ″For Jesus knew who was going to betray him; that is why he stated, ‘Not all of you are clean,’″ John adds, looking back on the scenario years later.
- (13:11).
- What was going through Judas’s thoughts when the Lord bowed at his feet and performed the servitude of a slave was never revealed.
- What if Judas already knew that Jesus was planning what he was about to do?
- That is dependent on the sequence in which the feet are washed.
- After washing their feet in verse 5, John states in verse 6 that he ″came to Simon Peter.″ This is after he had started washing their feet in verse 5.
- So, did Jesus have the talk with Peter before or after he washed Judas’s feet, depending on your perspective.
- In any case, it had to have been a very unpleasant situation for Judas.
- After hearing Jesus declare, ″You are all clean, but not every one of you,″ Judas’s only thought may have been, ″I know what you’re talking about.″ He’s aware of this, and yet he continues to wash my feet.
- I’m curious whether their gazes locked and Judas was forced to look away.
- Alternatively, what was going through Jesus’ mind when he leaned over the filthy feet of Judas Iscariot and bathed them with water before wiping their soles with a towel?
- But he wasn’t only washing the feet of a guy with a diabolical heart, who was on his way to become the greatest traitor in human history; he was also washing his own feet.
He was washing the feet of one of his disciples, whom he had selected, instructed, and tended to over the course of several years.He had appointed Judas as his representative and given him the authority to preach in his name, just as he had done with the other disciples.He was present when Jesus calmed the storm, when he fed the 5,000, and when he resurrected Lazarus from the dead, to name a few highlights.But even so, Judas was about to set in motion the event that God would use to bring about the horrible death of his Son through crucifixion, a death that hours later Jesus would ask the Father to spare him if at all possible, sweating droplets of blood and wailing with visible anguish.
Later that night, while Jesus prays in the garden, he is thinking about Judas Iscariot.According to the Bible, in John 17:12, while praying particularly for his followers, Jesus tells the Father, ″While I was with them, I maintained them in your name, which you have given me.″ So that the Scriptures would be fulfilled, I have guarded them, and not one of them has gone missing save the son of destruction,″ says the Lord.As a result, Jesus was fully aware of what Judas was up to.Despite this, John informs us in verse 1 that he loved ″his own″ followers ″till the end of the world.″.
Furthermore, Judas Iscariot was considered one of ″his own.″ According to Scripture, Jesus removes Judas in verse 27 after notifying the disciples that they had a traitor among them.If he had chosen to, he might have removed Judas from the Passover dinner much earlier than that.Instead, Jesus waits until he has bathed Judas’s feet along with the rest of the disciples, as if to say, ″You are still one of my disciples.″ And I still care for you.″ Moreover, the next day, Jesus would go to the cross and offer his life not just for the eleven, but also for Judas, his betrayer, in order to redeem them.It’s difficult for us, I believe, to conceive such a passionate relationship.Jesus instructs the church to wash one another’s feet, which means to give of one’s time and resources to others in ways that we may consider to be below our dignity.
- And his final act of foot-washing would be to go to the cross for the sake of the entire world.
- However, this lesson is not just about our willingness to perform a soiled job.
- As well, it serves as a lesson on our ability to love others despite the fact that they are inherently undesirable or unlovable in return.
If our Lord Jesus can wash the feet of those who would disperse from him, as well as those who would deny him and even those who would betray him—indeed, if he can wash our feet—then certainly we can wash the feet of one another, don’t you think?Recent Points of View |Theology in Three Dimensions: Recent Developments
Why did Jesus wash the disciples feet?
- Why did Jesus wash the feet of his followers at the start of his last Passover meal, you might wonder?
- The significance of holding a footwashing ritual at the annual memorial of Jesus’ death is a subject of much debate.
- During his last hours on earth, we see Jesus doing a simple act of washing with his followers in the thirteenth chapter of John.
- That it displays not just his actual character, but also the character that he wishes ALL Christians to develop He believes that his act of humility teaches so much and is so important to the life of a Christian that he requires others who follow him to do the same.
- It is interesting to note that John is the only one of the four gospel writers to mention Jesus humbly washing the feet of his followers at the Passover celebration.
It’s possible that John, the last gospel writer, wished to provide material that had been left out by Matthew, Mark, and Luke.What is known as the ″footwashing ritual,″ which is mentioned in John 13, provides us with a look into the personality of Jesus.Christians, following in the footsteps of Jesus, should conduct this modest deed during the yearly Passover ceremony.At the very beginning of his last Passover, Jesus performs a seemingly little deed that has deep implications.If I, your Master and Rabbi, have bathed your feet, it is also your responsibility to wash the feet of your other students.In order for you to be able to replicate what I have done to you, I have provided an example for you (John 13:14 – 15).
What a self-sacrificing act our Savior carried out!At the time, it was customary for the lowest-ranking servant to conduct the despised task of washing the muddy, filthy feet of visitors or tourists before they were allowed to enter a home.Jesus also makes it very clear that he did not demand anything from his particular called-out ones (or from us, by extension) that he himself did not accomplish in the first place.This is the distinguishing characteristic of a genuine spiritual leader.
Peter’s objection
- There is something strange about Jesus’ approach to the disciples in order to wash their feet, as we will see.
- Peter was the first person to benefit from this kind gesture.
- Peter reacted with a response that appeared to be completely out of character just before he was to carry out this assignment.
- The disciple, on the other hand, when he arrived at Simon Peter’s house, inquired, ″Lord, are you going to wash my feet?″ ‘You don’t really comprehend what I’m doing right now,’ Jesus said, ‘but you will understand later’ (John 13:6 – 7) Peter, who appears to be skeptical of what Jesus has said, refuses to have his feet washed (verse 8).
- But it is Jesus’ direct reaction that ultimately causes Peter to reconsider his first refusal.
If Jesus didn’t wash him, he informed him, ‘you don’t truly belong to me.’ He was right.Peter then answers with another another over-the-top response, claiming that his entire body should be washed as a result (verse 9).Jesus’ succinct response is both illuminating and replete with spiritual significance.The only thing that people who have showered and are clean all over need to do is wash their feet (verse 10).Following baptism and the reception of God’s Holy Spirit, a person is declared spiritually pure in God’s eyes and placed under his favor and mercy.The blood of Jesus Christ totally covers them and wipes away all of their sins on a personal level.
The pulls and temptations of human nature, on the other hand, continue to remain beyond baptism.Of course, as long as a person continues to live their life, they will continue to sin.The disciples were clearly not innocent in the days leading up to the Passover – in fact, just after the ceremony, when Jesus was imprisoned and Peter denied him three times, they all fled from him.A sincere Christian who commits sin does not receive the same treatment from God as if they had never been baptized or received his spirit.
They are still his spiritual offspring, according to him.God, in his role as a loving father, sees their sin as a setback and a fault that they must repent of and overcome.His children have just gotten themselves a bit dirty in his eyes, according to him.He teaches us humility by his simple act of footwashing, which is exactly what God desires for us to have.
Obedience brings happiness
- As soon as he finished ceremonially wiping all of the disciples’ feet, Jesus sat down to explain what he had just