Clean Feet
29 March 2009
John 13:1-15 
This is a challenging story that touches the deepest aspect of Christian faith.
It is a story about foot washing. Some churches practise this as a sacrament. Some Catholic and Orthodox churches have foot washing services on Holy Thursday. Some non-conformist groups make it a regular weekly or monthly practice, usually in association with the Lord’s Supper.
Valid sacraments such as baptism and communion fulfil five criteria:
- Divinely ordained (ordinances) – Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-24
- Universal in obligation – Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 10:17; 11:23
- Practised by the early church – Acts 2:41; 1 Corinthians 11:20-22, 33-34
- Portray the passion of Christ – Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 11:26
- Unique in meaning – Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 11:26
Foot washing fulfils the first three of these but not the latter two. It does not clearly portray the saving work of Christ and it can have more than one meaning. Nevertheless, it can be a moving experience to participate in a service of foot washing.
The extent of his love (1)
Jesus here shows the extent of his love. This refers to the whole Easter event. But here was the beginning of it. On the cross he would show the culmination of his love, giving himself thoroughly and totally for us.
A demonstration of power (3)
Jesus knew that his time had come; that Judas would betray him; that he would return to the Father – and that his Father had put everything in his hands (NIV – under his power).
What would you do if you knew that God had put everything under your power? How would you display it? God put all things into the hands of Jesus. The power that created the universe and the furthest reaches of space – as well as the tiniest insects and plants. So how did he use it? To overthrow Rome? To establish his kingdom? To work miracles? He exercised it by washing the disciples’ feet. His power was shown in his freedom to choose to serve rather than to dominate.
A demonstration of love (4-5)
In the Middle East in ancient times where there were no paved footpaths or roads and where most people walked wherever they wanted to go, people’s feet became grimed and dirty. A hospitable host would have his servants wash guests’ feet when they arrived (Genesis 18:4; 19:2; 24:32; 43:24; 1 Sam 25:41). Or he might even do it himself. Or at the very least supply a bowl of water.
Jesus is here acting as a servant. In this way he demonstrates his great love.
The offence of the gospel (6-8)
The gospel always offends human pride. Simon refused to allow Jesus to wash his feet. Probably, he thought it was for good reason. It was unthinkable that the Lord should wash the feet of the Servant.
But in reality, it is harder to allow someone to wash your feet than to do it for them. It is easy for us to be too proud to allow others to serve us. To be too proud to admit to failure or problems or even weakness. Our unruly rebellious selves and our obstinate flesh do not like to admit our need.
Jesus explained that unless Simon also humbled himself, he could not be part of Christ. This is strong language – that to refuse to allow the most soiled part of us to be clean is to be separated from Christ. But it is true.
Simon’s surrender (8-9)
When Peter realised this, he wanted to be washed in every way. To be made totally clean. This attitude of enthusiastic submission is a model for us today. Let Jesus wash clean not just our feet but all of us.
Challenge
This story challenges us both to serve and to be served. To reach out to others in need – but at the same time to be humble enough to admit our own need. True pastoral care takes place when we do both. We are all wounded healers.
Something to think or talk about
Remember, you don’t have to answer all the questions. Choose the ones that seem relevant.
Read John 13:1-20
Biblical
1. What can you find out about the Feast of Passover? Why was it significant as the time when Jesus was crucified? (Exodus 12:1-30, 40-51; Leviticus 23:4-14; Numbers 9:1-14. You could also check Bible Encyclopaedias or appropriate websites.)
2. How aware was Jesus of what Judas was about to do? Would it be fair to say that in his humanity, Jesus felt this matter weighing on his mind? What do you think? (2, 10, 11, 18, 19).
3. What five things does John point out before telling us that Jesus washed the disciples’ feet? (1-3)
4. In your opinion, which of these five points seems most significant in relation to the foot washing?
5. Why did Peter refuse to allow Jesus to wash his feet? (8)
6. In his reply to Peter, what do you think Jesus meant? (8)
Personal and practical
7. How would you feel if you were Simon? (2)
8. It is generally agreed that Jesus did not intend us to take his words in verse 14 and 15 literally. So how should we take them? Give practical suggestions.
9. What does verse 17 say to you?
10. What has been your experience of what Jesus says in verse seven? How? Why? When? Where?
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