The Victory Over Dirty Feet

Not long before the crucifixion, Jesus’ window of opportunity to instill important concepts in the apostles would be closing soon. As He often did, He chose to do something completely unexpected. The King of Kings, the Creator and Master, got down on his knees and washed their grimy feet.

Peter resisted because he knew this was “inappropriate” for a great man. But Jesus persisted, explaining He was doing what He expected all of His followers to do—be servants.

This was the perfect lesson for a group of men who had been known to bicker over who was the greatest. Jesus had previously pointed out “a servant is not greater than his master” (John 13:16). If the master was willing to place Himself in the position of a foot-washer, then the servants would be expected to humble themselves also.

The passage points out that Jesus was well aware He “had come from God and was going back to God” (John 13:3). He had given up a high position to take on a low position in order to eventually return to that high position. He did the same here. He got up from his chair, knelt down to wash dirty feet, and then “resumed His place” (John 13:12). This strong parallel suggests Jesus coming to earth was the much more epic version of washing feet.

Everything about Jesus emphasized a God who was willing to humble himself to the point of taking on the dirt of the world in order to clean and rescue the ones He loves.