Jesus had just celebrated the Feast of the Passover with His disciples then, “Jesus got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to WASH His disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.” (John 13:4-5)
When He came to Peter there was a little problem, “Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?” Jesus said, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” Peter said, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus said, “If I do not wash you, YOU HAVE NO PART WITH ME.” Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!” (John 13:6-9) Then Jesus explained, “You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also OUGHT (opheilō: to be under obligation) to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example (hypodeigma: a thing to be imitated), that YOU SHOULD DO AS I HAVE DONE to you.” (John 13:13-15)
WHAT DID JESUS TEACH US ABOUT FEET WASHING?
- IF WE DO NOT DO IT: “you have NO PART with me.” (John 13:8)
- YOU ARE UNDER OBLIGATION TO DO IT: “you also OUGHT to wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)
- YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN A THING TO BE IMITATED: “you SHOULD DO as I have done to you.” (John 13:15)
Jesus did not give us an example about buying someone a hamburger are carrying someone’s briefcase, no we are to get on our knees and lovingly and caringly WASH THEIR FEET and pray for them… “A new commandment I give to you, that you LOVE one another; AS I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham