Xanthe Hancox

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel round his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped round him.  John 13:3-5

What is the most important meal you celebrate every year? Christmas? Easter? Your birthday? For many Jewish people, the most important meal is still Passover. It’s a celebration of God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt more than 3 500 years ago.

During this final Passover celebration Jesus showed his followers the full extent of his love by doing something unusual. He knelt in front of his disciples and washed each one’s feet. It’s a humbling, maybe even humiliating, thing to have someone wash you. Nurses know the awkwardness as well as the importance of bathing patients who cannot bathe themselves.

Peter certainly felt uneasy about Jesus washing his feet and initially refused outright saying: ‘No, you shall never wash my feet’ (John 13:8) Peter thought he was saying the proper thing. It didn’t feel right for Jesus to be acting as a servant to him. How could it be fitting for his Lord to descend to such lowliness?

Jesus’ reply to Peter was also vehement. In essence, Jesus said, “If I can’t wash you, you can’t have me.” Peter needed to humble himself. He needed to receive the forgiveness of sin that Jesus was offering.

How do you prepare to celebrate your most important meal of the year, month, or week?

Do you serve others joyfully? Do you live like Jesus who knelt even at the feet of his betrayer?

Prayer: Jesus, fill us with your love, show us how to serve the neighbours we have from you. Teach us to kneel at the feet of our friends, to live like the Master who acts as a slave. Amen.