33. John 13:1-20 Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet

April 3rd, 2025
by Randy Eliason

1. SCRIPTURE

SCRIPTURE READING: JOHN 13:1-20
SCRIPTURE HIGHLIGHTS:
Vs 1 “Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

Vs 6-8 “He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 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.”

Vs. 13-14 “You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.”
Vs 17 “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”

2. OBSERVATIONS :

Jesus loved his disciples “to the end”. The phrase “to the end” conveys the idea that Jesus' love “went all the way”. It was a continuous and complete love. There was no limit to the duration of his love; he never gave up on them. There was no limit to the depth of Jesus’ love; he gave up his all for them. That’s amazing love from an amazing God!!

Peter did not want Jesus to wash his feet because foot washing was the responsibility of a person of inferior status and Peter rightly understood that Jesus was greater than he. The irony is that although Peter’s intention was to preserve Jesus’ dignity, he ended up dishonoring Jesus. Peter placed himself in authority over Jesus by dictating what Jesus should and shouldn’t do.

3. APPLICATION:

What does this passage tell me about Jesus?
Jesus’ love for me is no different than his love for his first disciples. He loves me “to the end”. Jesus has demonstrated his greatness through his loving service to mankind.

What does this passage teach me about myself/mankind?
Peter reminds me how easy it is for me to fail to listen to Jesus because of my tendency to think I already know what is right. I need to learn, like Peter did, to be slow to speak, slow to react, and quick to listen. The test of greatness is in one’s willingness to sacrifice for the good of others.

How does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?
This passage inspires me to want to be a servant leader like Jesus. He used his authority to serve the interests of others rather than use others for his own interests. I will be more aware of my tendency to think I already have all the answers and already know God’s will. Instead of assuming, I will humbly listen more carefully to the word and the Spirit.

4. PRAYER:

Dear Jesus, thank you for loving me “to the end”. Help me to listen well to your voice, and to be slow to react from my own pride and self-confidence. Show me how to use the talents, time, and treasure you have given me to serve others for your glory. Guard my mind against all worldly pressure to seek status and honor for myself. May I always be satisfied with the honor you have already granted me by calling me your son.

In Your name, Amen.

Posted in The Gospel of John Part 2 (21-40)