The Disciples Feet Are Washed By Jesus

As we enter the Passover Season, read to your children about how Jesus washed the feet of His Disciples. The story is found in John 13:1-17.

The story of the Passover in the Gospel of John is one of great tenderness. Judas Iscariot had already been prompted by the Devil to betray Jesus. The disciples that remained were those who truly loved Jesus. Jesus loved the disciples. Jesus ministered to them and He served them. To understand how Jesus may have felt this evening, knowing that He only had hours to live, think of people who are terminally ill. Many times those who know they only have a very short time to live want to go home and be with their family and friends. Sitting with the disciples, the men Jesus spent so much time with, must have been like going home for Him. While Jesus is with the disciples He teaches them how to have a continued intimacy and fellowship with God.

During Bible times there were public and private baths. The people of the day wore sandals. The roads were dusty. It was a common practice that when a guest came to your home a servant would wash the guest’s feet to remove the dust from the road. The lesson here for the disciples and for us today is to be humble. You are humble when you care about the needs and worth of others over yourself. Jesus taught that the greatest person in God’s kingdom is the servant of all (Matthew 18:1-5). Jesus and the disciples had supper together. By the time the meal was over the devil had prompted Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus. Jesus spent His final hours with the disciples teaching them before His crucifixion. He had tremendous love for them and for all in the world.

“Jesus rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded” (John 13:4, 5). Peter did not want Jesus to wash his feet. The mere thought that Jesus would serve him by washing his feet upset him. Peter could not believe that Jesus would stoop to the level of a common household slave. Jesus was Peter’s Lord, so why would Jesus serve him. If Peter did not allow Jesus to wash his feet, he would not be allowed to fellowship with Christ. Upon this realization, Peter says, “Not my feet only, but also my hands and my head” (John 13:9). Jesus asked the disciples, “Do you know what I have done to you?” (John 13:12). Christ asked this question because He wanted to be sure the disciples understood He was showing and teaching them His love through His actions. Since Christ, our Lord and Master humbled himself to serve the disciples by washing their feet, then the disciples and you and I should be willing to serve others just as Christ did.

Sometimes, you may do service for reward or recognition. This is not the attitude of service that Christ was looking for. Christ said, “Whosoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant” (Mark 10:43). If your goal is to please God, you will do so by serving others with a humble heart. Even when you are not thanked or noticed, remember God knows about your good work and He is pleased with you. Jesus said, “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (John 13: 15). Jesus is the teacher and He taught the lesson through His example. He wants us to serve one another with a humble heart.