John 13:1-17 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, do you wash my feet?" 7 Jesus answered him, "What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand." 8 Peter said to him, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no share with me." 9 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!" 10 Jesus said to him, "The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you." 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, "Not all of you are clean." 12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
When did this Happen?:
There is an emphasis placed on time here.
1 Now before the Feast of the Passover...
1...when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father...
2 During supper...
2...when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him,
This is near the time of his death, at a social gathering with His disciples, with the disciple who was about to betray Him.
What did Jesus Know?:
Now, this might seem like a silly question to ask because Jesus, being God, has unlimited knowledge. We know, however, that in the incarnation there were certain things that He had hidden from Himself in sorts (i.e. The time of His return Matt 24... And, I know, it's hard to wrap our minds around that.) Therefore, people sometimes question how much Jesus knew about His death and ministry...and He tells us. Here is just a glimpse (one example).
1 ...Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father
3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands...
3....and that he had come from God and was going back to God
11 For he knew who was to betray him
Again, we see that Jesus was completely aware that He was God. He also knew what He was about to do--die for the sin of the world--and why. Likewise, He knew Judas was about to betray Him. In the face of what He does next, especially, all of this is remarkable.
What did He do?:
1. Demonstrated the humility with which we should live.
12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
For the primary explanation of what was going on here, we need look no further than what Jesus Himself said. Washing of feet was a normal activity in this area. With sandals, and walking, and lots of dust/sand came a number of foot related maladies. To avoid this, it was important to keep your feet clean. Typically, there would be a servant responsible for peforming this duty in each house. It was considered the lowest of tasks. In fact, in Jewish communities, Jewish servants weren't even asked to do it; it was reserved for gentile servants. In the above context, there appears not to have been a servant present to perform the task. One of the disciples could have stepped up to do it, but they didn't. Rather than taking on the degrading task, the customary practice had simply been neglected (for some time, too, because they were at least into the meal)...until Jesus does it.
He does not draw attention to this great act of humility, thereby negating it; He just serves. We are told to do likewise. (More on this next week.)
2. Symbolically demonstrates the need for even believers to seek purification.
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, do you wash my feet?" 7 Jesus answered him, "What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand." 8 Peter said to him, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no share with me." 9 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!" 10 Jesus said to him, "The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you." 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, "Not all of you are clean."
Peter's exchange with Jesus brings out a second point. Peter's word's were strong. He did not want Jesus to wash his feet. In fact, he goes so far as saying it will NEVER happen. However, when Jesus explains that those who are not washed have no part with Him, Peter changes his tune completely and asks for a bath! Jesus then says ""The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean." Now, it is possible to read too much into this verse. The complete washing is referring to salvation. Once you have believe in and given control to Christ, you don't need to be saved again. The foot washing is not meant to be understood as some kind of renewing or reinstating of your salvation. Salvation cannot be lost and regained. However, saved sinners are still sinners. I think Matthew Henry explained it well when he said: "We must also wash our feet by constant watchfulness against every thing that is defiling, for we must cleanse our way, and cleanse our feet by taking heed thereto, Psa 119:9" (Psalm 119:9-11 ESV - "9 Beth How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."). - M. Henry
Who did He Love to the End?:
1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
1. His Own
This is clearly referring to the disciples who were then with Him, but also to all those who have been given to Him. Those who will be saved. All believers. He loved us--completely.
2. Who were in this world
And He loves us, though we are in this world. This is not only a physical location, but a spiritual one. We are surrounded and influenced by sin. We are naturally inclined toward it. Yet, He loves us.
Application?:
1. Serve as Christ Served: Do not allow vanity to cause you not serve. This world seeks prestige and position. We must be servants to those around us.
2. Wash yo' Feet?: First, really do wash your feet physically... Second, know that salvation saves...period. There is NOTHING you can do to add or take away from your position in Christ once He has saved you...really saved you (You have believed in and committed to Christ, turning from sin, and turning to righteousness). Yet, you will still sin. You will still fall. You will face trials, and temptations, and just flat bad days. This is when our feet get dirty. We need to wash them by knowing and seeking the Word of God. Repenting and taking up our cross daily to follow Christ.
3. Know You are Loved: Filthy as you are, Jesus died for you. Never forget that.
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