Main Thought:
The act of washing feet was a customary practice during the time of Jesus, particularly before a communal meal. The men's sandals and feet would often be soiled with dirt, mud, and even animal droppings, making it necessary to wash their feet before dining together. This was the responsibility of the lowest-ranked servant in the household. However, Jesus did something unexpected. He wrapped a servant's towel around his waist, got on his knees, and proceeded to wash the feet of his disciples. This act exemplified Jesus' amazing humility, as he took on the role of a servant to serve others. It also demonstrated to his followers what true leadership in his kingdom looked like and he encouraged them to adopt a similar heart of service towards one another.
Main Text:
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. - John 13:3-17
But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - Matt 26-28
Discussion Questions:
What stands out to you in the main thought or main passages above?
A common phrase in Jesus’ ministry was “the first will be last, and the last will be first.” What do you think He meant?
Who can you serve this week? In what ways can you serve them?