Many people desire God’s blessings. Who is the person God blesses? Jesus provides the answer as the disciples met in the upper room to celebrate the Passover. As Jesus was preparing His disciples for His upcoming departure, He had a clear sense of His purpose and was confident of His destiny. Jesus did the unthinkable and laid aside His garments and began to wash the disciples feet. Because He was secure in His identity He could demonstrate true humility.

Why did Jesus wash their feet? First, we see a practical reason – no one else was willing to take up the towel and their feet were dirty and needed to be washed. We also see a spiritual reason – prior to meeting for the Passover there arose a dispute among them as to which one of them was the greatest. The men who were appointed to bring the good news of the Gospel to the world were filled with pride. Many people want to be considered a servant but few want to act like one.

Peter’s pride was evident as he initially refused to let Jesus wash his feet. Jesus then reinforced the lesson as He asked them, “Do you know what I have done to you?” Humility is not announced but it is demonstrated. The disciples would learn that the branch with the most fruit bends the lowest. This act was the antithesis of the Pharisees who loved the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues,” Jesus was providing them with an example how a follower of Jesus is to act,

For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. (John 13:15)

If Jesus, who is the Lord and the Teacher, washed the disciples feet, then we as His follower’s are to wash one another’s feet. Jesus led from the front, He modeled to the disciples how they should act with one another. Notice what resulted in a blessing,

If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. (John 13:17)

The blessing is in the doing. There are times when we don’t want to act like a servant – such as washing the dirty, smelly feet of others. As His followers, Jesus has called us to take up the towel and basin and serve others. Remember that God is opposed to the proud, but He gives grace to the humble. God’s blessings will come in your life as you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another and follow Jesus’ example.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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