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The Gospel in Feet-WashingTHE GOSPEL IN FEET-WASHING In verse 3, John sets the stage. Jesus had all power in heaven and earth. He was God in the flesh. He is the creator. Now, Jesus is going to shock the disciples and the rest of creation. He became the lowly love slave.
Philippians 2:5-11
5. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8. And being found in fashiona as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Jesus dramatically illustrated the gospel plan when He washed the Saint’s Feet. John 13:1-17 and Philippians 2:5-11 both picture one another and the gospel plan. John continues the stage preparation. He was come from God. He left the throne of glory to become the love slave for mankind. The illustration of this is found in verse 4. It beings with, He riseth from supper. He left His position of leadership and prominence. This is also paralleled in Philippians 2:6, 7.
The position of leadership in the service of the Lord and in all areas of His wonderful kingdom is earned by self abasement. Jesus taught that self abasement and self sacrifice are the basis for leadership and authority in His kingdom. It must be remembered that in Luke’s Gospel (22:24) that disciples were arguing again. The issue was over who was the greatest or chief among them.
The disciples were being very foolish and selfish at a time when Jesus needed their support, peace and brotherly love. Yet, the disciples were not nearly as self seeking, glorifying and greedy as many elders and church members are in this day. Jesus still seeks His disciples to live in humble unity, love and service.
John concludes verse 3 by writing, and went to God. This refers to His departure mentioned in verse one. In John 13:33 Jesus said, Yet a little while I am with you. John has now completed the stage by indicating the urgency of the time.
Verse 4 through 11 record the institution and practice of the ordinance by Christ. He had the authority (verse 3) to institute the ordinance. First, Jesus, Himself, was baptized. Secondly, Jesus, Himself, Washed the Saint’s Feet. Third, later that evening, Jesus, Himself, took of the Lord’s Supper.
The stage is complete. The disciples all sat around the Passover table. The table was probably U-shaped. One table in the middle with the other two tables intersecting at opposite ends. The table was already set. The food was ready. In the room everything was prepared. The trip from Bethany was dusty. The custom of the day was for the lowest slave of the host to wash the visitor’s feet. The water pitcher, the wash basin and the long towel were present and existed as a silent testimony to their lack of humility. Perhaps Peter reasoned in his mind, “I’m chief disciple.” John and James still thought of who might sit on the right hand and left had of the Lord. Judas had betrayal on his mind, not service. The pitcher was perhaps the same one mentioned in the Gospel of Mark 14:13-15. Jesus may have told the host not to send the slave. Jesus knew this object lesson and ordinance needed to be given for all ages.
Verse 4 begins with, He riseth from supper. All the disciples were waiting on their Lord to start the meal. Instead, to their amazement, He rose from the supper table. In majesty and sweet serenity He rose to serve. Jesus left the heavenly table of God the Father to serve man. As He rose, He forsook the honor of the place of prominence at the tale of man. His position at the Father’s table occupied in eternity past before His incarnation.
When He stood up from this position of honor, in the upper room He forsook the honor of heaven and earth (Phil. 2:6, 7) to become creation’s love slave.
After Jesus had washed the disciple’s feet, He returned to His place of honor. Likewise, Jesus ascended to Heaven after His death, burial and resurrection. He has returned to His place of authority, glory and honor (Phil. 2:9-11) for all of eternity future.
John continues verse 4 with, and laid aside His garments. Jesus left the place of leadership and authority at the table. He took off His robe of prominence. He shed the glory of heaven to become the love slave for mankind (Phil. 2:5-8). He took upon Himself the form of a slave and the likeness of flesh. Notice the word, garment, is in the plural. By this it appears possible that Jesus had the true appearance of an oriental slave (Phil. 2:7). Jesus is pictured; wearing only a loin covering. There were no ladies present. He had laid aside the long loose flowing outer garment, the belt, and the tunic.
The garments are symbolic of when Jesus lay aside, for a season and or periodically, many of His divine attributes when he took man’s form. Only after Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection did Jesus put on all His divine garments. In Matt. 28:18 Jesus taught all power in heaven and in earth was invested in Him. In John 13:12 Jesus again claimed His garments. Truly, Jesus was stripped of His garment on Calvary only to claim the eternal garments again forever.
Then Jesus, Took a towel, and girded Himself. When He girded Himself, He demonstrated the willingness and strength to serve. It is likely that this ordinance was remembered by the apostle Peter in 1 Peter 5:5, where he taught submission one to another. To be clothed with humility. This is better read, Gird ye on humility. This is Peter’s teaching concerning the spiritual truths of Feet Washing as well as the ordinance.
The towel was a long and probably white. It was long enough to be tied around the waist with enough left over to dry the feet. In Isaiah 64:6 the prophet taught man’s righteousness to be as filthy rags. Jesus’ righteousness was whiter than snow, without spot. Truly, Jesus left the throne of heaven so He could be girded in human flesh John 1:14. What humility (1 Peter 5:5)?
Verse 5 begins with, after that He poureth water into a basin. John records each small detail to emphasize the meaning. Jesus performed each act of service no one assisted Him. This came only hours before Jesus poured His own precious blood on Calvary.
John continues the narrative with, and began to wash the disciple’s feet. He did not wash their face or hands, but, love knelt all the way down to the feet. The soul is often contaminated traveling the paths of life. As the song writer said, “This world is not my home; I’m just a passing through.”
Again, Isaiah 64:6 talks about human righteousness, as determined as it may be is a filthy rag. All have sinned and come short (Rom. 3:23). All need cleansing. All need Christ’s continued cleansing as mentioned in 1 John 1:7; But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
As a believer walks in an evil time, he becomes defiled. This disturbs his fellowship. All need the continued cleansing of the blood (1 John 1:7-10).
Arno C. Gaebelein wrote[1], “We must come to Him with our sins and failures, with our imperfect walk and our defilement, and place ourselves into His loving hands as the disciples placed their feet into His hands.”
Verse 6 begins with, Then cometh He to Simon Peter. All the disciples, except perhaps Judas, were embarrassed by the thought of Jesus washing their feet. They knew they should have washed the feet of Jesus. It was not uncommon for disciples to do manual service for their teachers. However, it was not common for them to wash the teacher’s feet.
Peter was displeased with the idea of his master washing the other disciple’s feet. When it was Peter’s turn, he could not be silent. It is probable that most of the disciples felt the same. However, impulsive Peter often spoke his thoughts while others remained silent.
Verse 7 begins with, Jesus answered and said unto him, what I do thou knowest not now. The washing is halted by Peter’s refusal. At this point Jesus does not give a complete or full explanation to Peter. He tried to steady Peter by teaching him to wait until later (thou shalt know hereafter). Peter did not have long to wait. In 1 Peter 5:5 Peter clearly understood. The “hereafter” is in reference to after Christ’s: death; burial; resurrection and His ascension. When the Holy Spirit came, the many pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place.
Verse 8 begins with, Peter saith unto Him, Thou shalt never was my feet. The words of Jesus in verse 7 to wait and see fell on deaf ears. Peter knew the unworthiness of the disciples, including himself.
When Jesus came to John the Baptist to be baptized of him, John the Baptist felt the same. The Baptist wanted Jesus to baptize him. John the Baptist said he was not worthy to untie the sandals (or begin to was Jesus’ feet) much less baptize him. Andrew, Peter’s brother, was an eye witness. Now, Peter refuses.
Peter’s words of refusal were very powerful and emphatic. These words could be understood, “Oh No! Never in a million years.” He did not accept Jesus’ words.
Verse 8 continues, Jesus answered him, if I wash the not, thou hast no part with me. Jesus clearly says, Peter, it is necessary. He teaches Peter, let me work the entire ministry of humiliation for you, otherwise, you will no longer be part of the kingdom. Washing of the disciple’s feet is a part of, and a clear picture of, the humiliation of Christ. His humiliation was needed for Peter’s salvation and all mankind. The act of Baptism, Feet Washing, and the Lord’s Supper do not cleanse sin. They are mirrors of God’s cleansing salvation.
Jesus was concerned about Peter. If he rejects the example, he might also reject the event of humiliation, Calvary.
Verse 9 begins with, Simon Peter saith unto Him, Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head.
As often in the character of Peter, he goes from one extreme to another. Again, Peter misunderstood. It is not the cleansing of the flesh to saves. It is only a symbol of the inward cleansing of the soul.
Verse 10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
Verse 11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
Jesus continues to use the common to mirror the spiritual. Guests were supposed to bathe their bodies before going out to eat. Their feet would become dirty during the trip. So, Jesus states only the feet needed the cleansing. All the disciples were clean, except for Judas. Their faith and allegiance to Jesus as Messiah provided their security.
Some have taught salvation is through water baptism. This, as always, is a gross interpretation. Jesustaught spiritual cleansing, symbolized by water baptism. Man has always tried to change God’s plan from spiritual cleansing to physical cleansing. God forbid. It is not the bathe of regeneration and renewing administered by the Holy Spirit as Paul states in Titus 3:5; Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost.
As the twelve put their feet into the hands of Jesus, Christians today must do the same. Man is defiled, depraved and helpless to save himself. Man must put his faith in His grace. Not works of righteousness.
Verse 12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
These words conclude John’s narrative of washing the disciple’s feet. Jesus had washed all the disciple’s feet. As in verse 4, He rises again. This time He rose from the role of a love slave to King of kings, and Lord of lords. This symbolizes His resurrection and ascension.
The words, had taken his garments, refers to His reclaimed power and lordship, not only over the disciples at the table, but over all creation. As Jesus rose from the grave, He was clothed with the glorious resurrection body.
John continues with, and was set down again. The two fold picture. First, He returned to His place of authority at the table. Second, and what is more important, He returned to heaven and is the Revelation Lamb, the Holy Righteous Judge over all creation (Phil. 2:9-11). See our online bookstore,"Washing the Saint’s Feet." Comments?
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