In John 13 we read that the Last Supper was full of drama. Notice the interplay and discussion that was taking place as Jesus led the disciples through the meal. So many questions and, unfortunately for them at the time, not many satisfactory answers. After Jesus’ triumphal entry into the city earlier that week “their Messiah” doesn’t appear to be meeting many of the disciple’s expectations. They were eye witnesses of His many miracles: bringing sight to the blind, making the deaf hear and the dumb to speak, causing the lame to walk, even raising the dead. All these signs pointed to the Messiah, the promised one, yet their minds seemed to be “set on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). Would Jesus rightfully sit upon David’s throne, call down the heavenly armies, just as the prophets had said, and drive out the Romans, and rule with justice and mercy? If so, what was to be their role and part in governing the reestablished Jewish nation? They had left homes, businesses, and families and had followed after Him. What was going to be their payback? They had nowhere else to go, they were all in.
The Washing
As you read through John 13 notice the disciples present in the discourse. How are they similar and how are they different? What did each of them want and how were they going to get it?
John tells us that sometime during the supper, Jesus got up, laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded himself, poured water in a basin and began to wash the disciples feet and wipe them with the towel. Peter in verse 8 objects to Jesus washing his feet. How does Jesus respond to Peter? What does it mean in verse 10 to be completely clean? In verse 12 it says He finished, took up His garments, and reclined at the table again. Did He wash the feet of all the disciples? Did He wash the feet of Judas Iscariot? How significant is it for Jesus to wash the feet of the one disciple he knows is betraying him? What does it suggest for us as His followers?
A Humble Act
Have you ever had your feet washed where someone is prayerfully kneeling before you carefully washing and drying your feet? What did you learn about yourself and what did you learn about Jesus? Have you ever washed another persons feet? What did you learn about yourself and what did you learn about Jesus? How significant do you think it is that Jesus took the time at this Last Supper to wash the disciples feet? Would you wash the feet of a loved one or submit to having your feet washed? Why or why not?
Acts of Humility
Humility is a central characteristic of a Christ follower. Paul writes of this in Philippians 2:1-4.
Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
How do believers in Christ obtain, “the humility of mind to regard one another more important than ourselves?” How do we exercise our regard for one another and show we are looking out for the interests of others? Would Jesus recognize our humility?
Final Instructions
Jesus’ final instructions before going out into the night are contained in John 14. In this discourse He talks of oneness with the Father and the promise of the coming Holy Spirit. Read it together. Imagine hearing His words that very night. Consider how they are applicable to you today. Be comforted by His presence. Be comforted by His love.