Post 112
Why did Jesus Wash the Feet of His Disciples (John 13:1-17)?
Jesus humbled Himself to take the place of a slave to wash feet which in those days in Israel, was considered the duty of the meanest or lowest slave.
Before the feet washing event, the disciples had argued about who would be the greatest among them (Luke 22:24). Jesus had rebuked them by setting a little child in their midst, stated that they had become as little children and were not to seek lording it over each other (Matthew 18:1-10).
By humbling Himself to wash their feet, He sought to rid them of their passion for worldly honor and dignity which would have shaken the foundation of the church after his departure.
Jesus set an example to emphasize the necessity to get rid of self-exaltation in the life of a Christian.
Jesus set an example to emphasize the necessity to get rid of self-exaltation in the life of a Christian.
A Christian must rid himself of the spirit of wanting to lord it over others or he will not be saved (Matthew 18:1-10; 23:8-12) (Luke 14:7-11; 18:14). By washing their feet, He rebuked their spirit of strife over leadership.
The feet washing event was to teach Christians to be willing to condescend to render the lowest services to each other and to prefer the least in honor to themselves (Philippians 2:1-7).
It was to also inspire self-denial acts of kindness to those in need; to render service to the needy and those who are the least.
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