31: Jesus washed their feet (John 13:1 – 17)

After Jesus's public ministry, chapters 13 – 17 contain Jesus’ words, especially for His disciples and the church, before His crucifixion: Love one another (chapter 13). Promise of the Holy Spirit (chapter 14). Vine tree analogy (chapter 15). Encouragement words for them amid the hostile world (chapter 16). Jesus’ prayer and vision for the church (chapter 17).

πŸ‘‰ Read John 13:1 - 17


Q1. The time of Jesus’ departure was approaching (1, 3). The disciples will be left behind, and the devil has already got into the heart of one disciple (2). Jesus so loved them (1) and wanted to teach them how to keep the church from the hostile world and Satan’s attacks. What are Jesus’ commands to keep the church safe? (14, 34 – 35)

Wash one another’s feet (bearing the burden of other’s sin)

Love one another just as Jesus loves you

“Because Jesus knew that the Father had handed all things over to him.” The Father has given him the authority to forgive sins and to give life to anyone he wants. In such recognition, Jesus wanted the disciples to know, by washing their feet, that He was supposed to bear their burden of sins. 

To bear the burden of another’s sins is to sacrifice or suffer because of their sins. 


Q2. When Peter had deterred Jesus from washing his feet, what did Jesus say?

If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.

Unless I bear the burden of your sins and cleanse the stain of your sins, you have no relationship with me. When Jesus comes to you, don’t hide your shameful weaknesses. Do not deter Him who could make you whole. 

As the servant was supposed to wash the feet of the guests, Jesus was supposed to die on the cross in your place. It is what the Christ means to us.

“The one who has bathed needs only to wash his feet.” We need Jesus’ cleansing of our sins every day. Experience everyday grace.


Q3. As the Teacher and Lord, Jesus washed their feet. Why? (two 15, 16)  

To give them an example

The one who sent Jesus is greater than Jesus. -> washing their feet was the Father’s will.

If we only see the relationship between the server and the served, we cannot understand this ‘upside-down’ hierarchy. But if we acknowledge the invisible God behind all the scenes, we can comprehend everything clearly. Jesus washed their feet not because they were greater than Jesus but because He was sent to serve them. Therefore, as we wash others’ feet as the Lord commanded, we serve the Lord. 

‘Upside-down order’ of the Kingdom alludes to the existence of the invisible King.

In the Kingdom of God, great is not the one who is served but the one who is sent by the King. Jesus was sent by the Father, and the Father's spirit was in Him, which made Him great. If you serve others by Jesus' command, His Spirit is in you, and you are great.



Jesus came to wash our feet and asked us to wash each other’s feet. It is the Kingdom way.


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