Foot Washing

Day 17 of Knowing Him: An Easter Devotional (view all days)


It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. 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 around 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 around him. (John 13:1-5)

The final drama was drawing near. The disciples went to the upper room where they would have the Passover meal and Jesus would teach them about things to come. Jesus “knew that the time had come.” He knew that “the Father had put all things under his power” and that he was returning to God. Satan had already entered the heart of the betrayer, Judas Iscariot. With the stage thus set, Jesus chose to do a most peculiar thing. He removed his outer garment, wrapped a towel around his waist, poured water in a basin, and began to wash his disciples’ feet.

Foot washing was not unusual in that world of dusty paths and dry air. What was unusual was for the master to do this for all his followers at this moment when everything held in the balance.

“Do you understand what I have done for you?” Jesus asked. I am Lord. I am Master. Yet if I serve you in this way, surely you can serve each other. And if you do, you will be blessed.

Love each other. Care for each other. Serve each other. Do the dirty work for each other. Humble yourself before each other. Expend yourself for each other.

One more time Jesus showed the disciples what it means to be a disciple. And he also knew that only on the other side of the cross, when they would see just how far Jesus’ service would go, would they understand it all.

Ponder This: What would your reaction have been if Jesus approached you in order to wash your feet?

[This daily devotional will appear through Easter. You may receive via email.]

44 thoughts on “Foot Washing”

  1. Donald L. Thompson

    Tho foot washing is not done today normally it gave us an example to follow. Jesus was showing us
    that no matter who we are or high of position we hold, we are to serve others we are to serve others.
    Too many times we forget this and we think we are better than others because they do not dress as
    nice as us, live in as nice of house or neighborhood, etc, We DO NOT know there situation, etc.
    We MUST look at every one AS GOD looks at them, CHILDREN of GOD or lost souls who need
    saved. We MUST remind ourselves that if we were in there shoes, there would be ourselves.

  2. What Christ did is a big lesson to all His followers, the lesson of humility in service, it’s a selfless service, it teaches us to put others first before ourselves, it teaches us not to see ourselves as always the Boss but as servants in discharging our heavenly services to others. whatever it takes to make others happy as we journey daily to His manifold pressence, we must be willing to render to others willingly without expecting a reward from them, we must be willing to give all because we were giving freely, for freely we received what we have.

  3. If I was there and Jesus wanted to wash my feet I would have been like the other apostles and not felt adequate enough for him to wash my feet. I would have wanted to wash his as my master. I do understand and would have then, I believe, that he was showing us the way to live by his gestures. Hopefully, I would have taken the lesson and lived in his way.
    Love each other. Care for each other. Serve each other. Do the dirty work for each other. Humble yourself before each other. Expend yourself for each other.
    We are blessed that He did this for us. I thank Him every day.

  4. As He approached i would sqirm and weep deeply because i am so unworthy. But i could not say no!
    The gift of the Son of God considered to kneel down and wash ‘my feet’, is so moving beautiful.
    it reflects deeply His stepping down from glory into human kind. Then loving us to die and take are sins too. The gift of Life offered too.
    I would kiss His hand, then thank Him for touching someone like me, rejcted and sexually abused by my dad. who has a personalitly disorder from that. NO HUMANS LIKE TO touch the likes of me. But Lord JESUS will.
    He loves me enogh.

  5. I know in my heart that I would react like Peter, asking Him what was He doing? Why would He stoop so low to wash my filthy feet? But when He looks at me tenderly and gently rebukes me, I would understand (though not fully) what His love was about and what we as His disciples should be about. If I was there, that image would forever be with me and that would help me to be a servant-leader. But I can admit that I am far from that right now yet I know that Christ will guide me to become a better servant and disciple.

  6. It seems that only Peter objected to the foot washing. I would probably be more like John or the others, humbly accepting Christ’s service to me. As I think upon it, I hope it would make me more willing to serve others. Can you imagine? The Holy One of God bending down to clean off smelly, dirty, calloused, yucky feet! Of course, His death on the cross was much more meaningful; the ultimate sacrifice for my scummy, sinful heart. Shouldn’t I be willing to get beyond the “stinkiness” of others and get my hands dirty once in a while? Yet so often I choose comfort. God, forgive me. Help me be more like Jesus, bending down to help those whose lives are dirty, that they might know your cleansing power.

  7. Christina Wiles

    I think I would have reacted as Peter did. I would be embarrassed. I have had a similar situation with annointing with oil as I have struggled with an illness. I have regretted not doing it and would like to ask my pastor to do this.

  8. Foot washing was not unusual back then, but to have the Master washing my smelling dirty feet, I probably would have reacted as Peter did, knowing that He was the Messiah. I would not have felt worthy of such gesture. But the gesture was one of love, kindness and humility, a lesson he wanted to impart to us mortals – love each other as we would want to be loved – inviting us to be leaders in His likeness.
    Forgive me Lord, as I struggle to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly.

  9. I would want to refuse. I feel so unworthy it is unfathomable to comprehend that our Lord Jesus would wash the feet of me so defiled by sin. What a humbling experience that would be.

  10. Linda – what you have said about the physical touch of Jesus is profound. I had never thought before about some of the people Jesus physically touched feeling redemption, and what that can mean for victims of abuse. I am glad you can sense God’s love for you.

  11. I think my first reaction would be shock. I would never have expected Jesus to wash my feet. I don’t think I would have refused to let him and probably would not even voice an opinion since I know that Jesus is the son of God. Would’ve felt very humbled. After he explained why he did it, I hope that I would get the meaning behind it and know that I was supposed to do for others.

  12. I WOULD BE SO HUMBLED, AND SO BLESSED BY JESUS, I WOULD OPEN MY ARMS FOR EVERYONE WHO I FELT I COULD HELP. JESUS, IS OUR MASTER AND KING AND LET US NOT PUT OTHERS BEFORE HIM.

  13. I would cry…with unworthiness, with gratitude, with love. I would watch with ever growing humility and the growing awareness of just how forgiven and loved I am. I would walk away wanting to wash the feet of many…compelled to follow my Lord at all cost.

  14. In the very short time that I have been a follower of Christ, I have “seen” Jesus approach me over and over and over again as I struggle with trust and obedience those time I turn away when I find life to be so very hard. Each time He reaches down to touch my heart in just the right place when I am hiding out in some of my most unattractive human places. I am in awe of His pursuit. But not only does He pursue me, but He lifts me up, He encourages me, He has plans for me, He blesses me and He loves me! He is wahsing my feet constantly! AMAZING!!!!! But if I were to see the physical person of Jesus approach me, I think I wouldn’t be able to wait for Him to reach me – I would want to run towards Him. I know I wouldn’t want Him to do the physical act of washing my feet. I would just want to be near Him because I’m sure I will be able to feel love radiate off Him like heat from the sun. It is my heart’s desire to see Him face-to-face. It reminds me of the FFH song that says, “One of these days I will see the hands that took the nails for me. One of these days I will see my Savior face-to-face.” It is humbling to the core of my being, but oh so very exciting!

  15. Jenny – we all benefit by hearing from people like you who have been followers of Christ “for a very short time.” God is obviously doing a great work in your life, and he has good things for you for years to come. Thanks for your profound thoughts, and for taking the time to share them. Stay focussed on Jesus and you won’t go wrong!

  16. I’m so glad that Jesus loved us so much that He showed us how to live and what to do. We never have to flounder just look to Jesus. I love Him so much. Jesus is my everything I don’t know how I could live without Him.

  17. How awesome thiss would be to have our LORD and SAVIOUR to wash our dirty feet. But if you will think of the washing and regeneration JESUS iss contiually washing our feet. Glory be to GOD for JESUS CHRIST

  18. Charlean Jones Turner

    I would be esteemed suprised and overwhelmed that my God loved me so much that all things are possible through him, I would continue be in his love and constancely in his word, praising and worshipping him eternally.

  19. Regarding His washing my feet I would be most humble and blessed. I must think of the words: “blessed be the feet of the messangers” for this is exactly what our Lord was doing for His messangers of the Holy Word.

    I truly appreciate your sharing of the “Bible gateway” with me and so many others. The daily readings and devotionals mean so much to me. Thank you.

  20. Definitely the ultimate expression of love is Jesus! I think my reaction would be equal to that of Peter.
    The daily readings and devotionals mean so much to me. God bless Bible gateway
    Thank you.

  21. If Jesus were to wash my feet..I can tell you right now that I would feel ashamed and very uncomfortable..I would squrim out of my seat and insist that I do that for Him..
    I would like to know why its so hard for me to just accept Him and His gift..I say that I havee been saved but its in my head I feel so far away from Him and alone..I really need prayer for the heart to know what my head is trying to understand… I love Him and I want to be ready for Him because I want to know Him and Hear Him..

  22. I probably would have been in as much shock and disbelief as the disciples were. Your Master humbling himself to wash your feet. Surely not!! That kind of humility would not be known or understood. What an awesome lesson though – this is the way we’re supposed to treat everyone, the best way to emulate Christ’s love on the Earth. Oh Lord, give me a teachable spirit and love for the unlovely.

  23. I would like to reply to Linda Parker’s comments. You are made worthy because of the Blood of Jesus. I admire the courage it must have taken for you to reach out in hope to an invisible God and trust Him even though your own father didn’t/couldn’t love and protect you the way a father is supposed to. You are so beautiful, deeply treasured and have great value in God’s eyes. He will NEVER leave you nor forsake you. He loves to hold you and touch you and will heal all the brokenness in you. If I met you, I would give you a big hug, just because you’re my sister in Christ.

  24. “I Love It”

    Thank You! May the Father GOD bless you . . .

    GOD BLESS YOU! (BE BLESSED)_Amen!

    P.S. Just finish reading the devotion on “Foot Washing” this blessed me indeed on how to serve another other then myself.

    John 13:3-15 (New Living Translation)

    3 Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God.
    4 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist,
    5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.
    6 When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
    7 Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.”
    8 “No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.”
    9 Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!”
    10 Jesus replied, “A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you.”
    11 For Jesus knew who would betray him. That is what he meant when he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
    12 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing?
    13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am.
    14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet.
    15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.

  25. When I was a little girl, during Holy Week the church I attended always had the washing of the feet on Holy Thursday. I often wondered why the church I am attending now does not do this. I thank Jesus for what He has done for me and others. Jesus died on the cross for us, to save us from death, but give us eternal life.

  26. Christ's atonening sacrifice for our Redemption!

    I would be so honored to have the Lord wash my feet as He washed the feet of his disciples before He was betrayed by Judus. We are to serve and love on another.
    Earl…

  27. My heart would say yes; my head would say no, (because I don’t like having my feet touched – dumb, I know!)
    And yeah, Linda B, I agree, I’d want to wash His feet. (I’d be joining a very long queue, eh?) And by the way, like you, I struggled with understanding stuff with my head; I thought, if I can’t understand it, I can’t believe it. But I came to a place where I could let go of understanding and just believe. It’s like a builder who uses a nail gun. He doesn’t have to understand the intricate construction and working of the thing, he knows what it’s for and just uses it.
    Linda P., you are an amazing and very brave lady who (I feel) is coming through an incredibly bloody battle. Praise God for you, and for the beautiful work He is doing in your life. Huge hugs from me.

  28. Trying to imagine what it would have been like, yes I would have wanted my feet washed,and realise afresh what it cost to get rid of my sins,and all the more reason to praise Him,and serve Him

  29. I think that this passage is not preached enough in churches today,we have in a way developed a
    management structure where people look upon positions in the church as promotion rather than
    pastoral responsability.
    I wonder if we changed the word leader to servant in churches,would they have a better understanding of how god wants them to be.

    1. Yes Dave. Servant would keep things in proper perspective. Words are so powerful aren’t they? Our Father used them to create the universe and all that dwells in it. Leader indicates the chief, or the lead person who is often times served, while servant implies one who performs duties for others.

  30. you are right DAVE. I suppose that titles should be change. imagine this ”am the senior pastor ” then jesus belongs where? he says my father’s house meaning its his but we have displaced him of his duties and position

  31. What I do if JESUS wanted to wash my feet?
    wow yo creo que JESUS es tan grande, maravilloso, tan senor, REY DE REYES . Si el viniera asia mi y pidiera lavar mis pies yo lloraria y lo abrazaria, lo dejaria aserlo p[or que el lo hizo para demostrar el amor que el sentia por sus dicipulos, un amor limpio, transparente y sin ningun interes que dificil es encontrar a un amigo asi no? pero enrealidad ese amigo esta siempre a nuestro lado y ese amigo es el: JESUS. GRACIAS SENOR POR TU HIJO QUE ES NUESTRO MEJOR AMIGO EL REY DE REYES SENOR DE SENORES MI LIVERTADOR GRACIAS POR TODO EL AMOR QUE ME DAS Y POR SIEMPRE ESTAR A MI LADO TE AMO SENOR

  32. I would be amazed as I am not used to having people do things for me. It has always been my job to do for others. It does not come back to me as I have done for them or would have them do unto me.
    But, I would be thrilled!
    I love Jesus and He is always doing things for me, everyday He is there with me! He has provided many “washings” for me! He cleanses my heart and refills it daily with His precious Spirit!

  33. My initial thought would have been one of question, and confusion. Why is he doing this? Knowing that Jesus was Lord of all, why would He stoop to wash my feet? After hearing the Master’s words, question and confusion would have turned to humility. Indeed our Saviour is a great teacher as well as Lord.

  34. I would have been honored because even tho I was a follower of Jesus he chose me to wash my feet among all the others. being included in Jesus’s washing the feet of who was gathered around the table is on top of my list.

  35. I think my initial response would have been like Peter’s…’No you shall never wash my feet”! I mean I would have wanted to wash the feet of my LORD and would not have wanted Him bending before me to be cleaning mine! He is GOD! I’m so grateful for the grace of Jesus and His patience with me as I come to know Him and learn how He has called me to live. When I meditate on this act of service by Jesus – washing the dirty, smelly feet of his disciples- it totally slays me. He serves me so I can serve others with the same love He showed me. LORD help me humbly “do the dirty work”. When pride comes knocking, give me a vision of Jesus at the feet of His disciples.

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