Jesus’ Passion Week: Our Savior’s Last Days and Ultimate SacrificeSample

Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet

In the age of social media, we follow leaders who are charismatic. They look and sound good on camera. They show only the part of themselves they want us to see. People can easily hide their flaws online or when things are going smoothly. But when trials come and difficulties arise, how people respond reveal their true character.

Jesus knew His time had come to leave the world and He would be facing the biggest trial of His life. But instead of thinking about what He would have to endure, He focused on showing the disciples the full extent of His love.

On their last evening together, Jesus broke social and cultural norms, by stripping off His outer clothing and wrapping a towel around His waist. Then, He stooped down and tenderly washed the disciples’ feet, clearly revealing His genuine heart of love. By taking on the role of a servant, Jesus foreshadowed the reason for His death: He was going to the Cross as the Suffering Servant who “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).

Ironically, the disciples had just been competing about who was the greatest (Luke 22:24). In contrast to earthly kings, who may wield their power in a domineering way, Jesus does not lord His authority over others (Luke 22:25-30). He establishes His kingdom not by force, but by the power of servanthood and by the strength of love. This reversal also reveals the true nature of God’s Kingdom, where the last shall be first and the first shall be last (Matthew 19:30, Matthew 20:16).

Jesus wanted the disciples to receive His humble, self-giving love. But He also didn’t want that to be the end of it. They were to go and love others in the same way. He told them, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:14-15).

Are you experiencing Jesus’ tender and cleansing love for you? Let His love wash over you. Abide in His love and then go and love others in the same way. This kind of radical, action-oriented love is how the world would know that we are His disciples.

Prayer: God, thank you for how Jesus embodied the height and depth of your love and showed us the full extent of your love by washing our feet and dying on the cross for us. Help us to receive your love more deeply and love others more sacrificially as well. In Jesus’ name, Amen