So while they were eating, Jesus stood up and took off his robe. He got a towel and wrapped it around his waist. Then he poured water into a bowl and began to wash the followers’ feet. He dried their feet with the towel that was wrapped around his waist.
He came to Simon Peter. But Peter said to him, “Lord, you should not wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “You don’t know what I am doing now. But later you will understand.”
Peter said, “No! You will never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “If I don’t wash your feet, you are not one of my people.”
. . . .
When Jesus finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and went back to the table. He asked, “Do you understand what I did for you? You call me ‘Teacher.’ And you call me ‘Lord.’ And this is right, because that is what I am. I am your Lord and Teacher. But I washed your feet. So you also should wash each other’s feet. I did this as an example for you. So you should serve each other just as I served you. (John 13:4-15 ERV)
Jesus, in an act of humility, takes on the role of a slave. He takes each of his disciple’s feet, the filthiest part of their bodies, and cleans them. He does this not as an act of ceremony. Jesus does this to demonstrate a deep truth, one that should resound with every Christian for the past 2000 years, especially modern Christians. He demonstrates the act of deep, self-sacrificing love. A love so deep that he, the Creator of the universe, is willing to take on the role of a Gentile slave and wash the filth from the feet of others.
Peter, in his misinterpretation of Jesus' act, represents the contrast of Christ’s humility. Peter says, “No.” He will not let Jesus be a slave. Peter implies that this work is unfitting of his master. But Jesus reminds him -- he reminds us all -- that being part of Christ is to take on the love of Christ. We must love in a humble, selfless way that lays down our pride and ego and takes up the rags of servitude, even servitude towards our enemies. We cannot forget that Jesus washes the feet of his betrayer, Judas Iscariot.
As I read this passage, I am reminded of Jesus’ act of humble, self-emptying love. He says that we should not just take notes but follow suit. This is not easy in a world that teaches the opposite. When I think of being a Christian, I need not think about rules to follow or ceremonies to take part in. Too often we get it wrong and focus on these things. Instead, I need to emulate my Master and love others in a way that sheds the judgment and false outward appeal of piety: I need to love with self-emptying humility, following Jesus’ example. But often I am like Peter, full of my own pride and egotism.
Lord help me today and every day, to love more like you. I Christ I pray, amen.
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