Jesus Washed Their Feet

Jesus washed Their Feet. John 13:1

To begin with, washing their feet seemed the least of the worry to me because this text is power packed with explosive doctrines, scenarios and Character analysis. To me “If I was Jesus I’d be more worried about acts of disrespect and betrayal, I be worried about the agony the pain the abandonment and extreme suffering and discomfort He was about to ensue.

If it was me, But humility was the great teacher here. And Jesus being aware of the going ons of the times realized some awful truths.

The bible says in verse 1. Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

Jesus being fully aware of His situation proceeded any how. The NCV John 13:1 .It was almost time for the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that it was time for him to leave this world and go back to the Father. He had always loved those who were his own in the world, and he loved them all the way to the end.

In the human form the only way for us to leave this world and go to heaven is for us to die. And in the very next Chapter in John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. Listen brothers and sisters Jesus had come down through 42 generations to die for mankind’s sin debt. Nobody else could have done this for us but Jesus.

Let’s move on in verse 2. Let’s read Verse 2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;

Jesus never threw away the orthodoxy of the traditional religious celebration and commemoration of the Passover. Sunday I taught you that the word Passover in the Greek vernacular was the word Pascha Pas sah which is the Easter Celebration not only of the Jews being freed from Egyptian slavery but now the current Easter celebration that Jesus Rose from the Dead with All Power in His Hands. Jesus loved us dearly ALL THE WAY TO THE DEATH ON THE CROSS.

Let’s read Verse 2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; And the

The Moral Compass of this part of the story is folks we ought to see the bigger un selfish picture and not allow our jealousy to supersede our wisdom for righteousness. Judas was jealous, Peter was Jealous, James and John were Jealous, Phillip was jealous, Andrew, Matthew and Thomas were all jealous of Jesus for one reason or another But Judas took it to another level. Or else the bible wouldn’t have characterized him as Iscariot. Iscariot is the title of a traitor.

Verse 3. 3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God.

Quickly I see a couple of things here.

 1. Jesus knew that the Father had given him power over everything. God the Father had given God the Son the Exousia the Authority to be in control. Because “If Jesus’ flesh had it been in control He would have said you mean die for them?” What!! They way they cut up and carry on die for them. They way they’re corrupted and deceitful die for them? Die for them with their lustful, prideful, and pitiful ways? Lord you want me to die for them? They don’t even try to act like they love Me, so die for them? If Jesus would have been in his flesh those reasons and for a million other reasons Jesus’ flesh couldn’t be in charge of this great moment in biblical History. and then the second thing

2. Jesus had come from God from heaven and immortal glory and was going back to God back to heaven back to Glory Land where He came from.

Knowing all of these things in His Majestic Majesty,and knowing all of these things in His Marvelous Miracle working power Jesus Lowered down His voltage again.

And look at verses 4&5 Let’s read together

“He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

This is a great act of Humility and this great act of humility showed several things

1. Jesus understood the role of being a servant.

2. Jesus didn’t forget the role of honor that the Prostitute bestowed upon him with the pound of spikenard from her precious alabaster box. Where she wiped Jesus feet with her glorious hair. Because the bible says a woman’s hair is her glory. so Jesus didn’t forget.

3. Jesus got the proper instruments and materials to do the job effectively. The word Wash in the Greek is the word Nipto and it means to wash a part of the body. But when the word Washed is used that word is LOUO and it means to bathe all over. Jesus had basin water and a towel ready to wash his disciples clean. And I can speak for myself Lord wash Me over again with your precious Holy Spirit.

4. Jesus displayed his knowledge of what’s supposed to happen when you have guests at your house. We know this because Jesus complain to Judas’ daddy Simon that he hadn’t given him a bowl of water to wash his dirty feet nor greeted him with a holy kiss. In Jesus’ day they wore sandals to walk the dusty dirty streets of Jerusalem, so their feet were dirty.

5. Jesus finished the job. One by one Jesus washed their feet and then wiped their feet with the towel. And so brothers and sisters when we have the proper materials and the right equipment we can complete our tasks in ministry.

Oh but then here comes the self asserting, indignant, self-righteous, pride of Peter.Let’s read verses 6 ,7,& 8. “Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? 7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. 8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

1.Lord you’re going to wash my feet? In other word “Come on Rev you the Pastor. Listen well a part of being humble is allowing yourself to be used by God. In 2024 the Pastor is not above doing his fair share of what needs to be done for the success of the Church. I had a vested interest here. somebody say “Keep it real Rev”

2. Jesus said I see you don’t like what I’m doing Peter but you don’t understand the dynamic yet. because after you are converted you’ll strengthen your brothers. Peter after you fall and fail miserably you’ll have the construct or (the framework) for a strong ministerial testimony. Because you can’t teach what you don’t know and you can’t lead where you don’t go.

Verse 8 says Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Peter if I don’t get this self serving pride out of you, you can’t have no part with me. . And when Jesus says NO PART that means in the Greek Meros (NO PART AND NO PARTICIPATION AND NO UNION WITH CHRIST) That was some harsh language but it was necessary for a positive outcome not just for then but for future leadership. That’s why we can’t just put somebody in leadership that’s not commited because somebody that’s not commited might walk away from Jesus when things get rough, like the rich young ruler.

And the prime reason they might walk away is because they have not yet been fully converted. Because Conversion is a change of lifestyle. Jesus is changing the dynamics of the Disciples Lifestyle. Because He’s saying in essence If you see me do it, then it’s not beneath you to do it too…

8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

Then Peter responds correctly Let read 9&10 “Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. 10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

1.Jesus is teaching us to let Him wash all of our sins away . I want God to direct my paths and keep me walking in righteousness. Jesus is saying to Peter and the other disciples give honor where honor is due.

and when Peter did this and wanted to get an overloaded dose of righteous cleansing Jesus said in essence Peter Me washing your feet is quite enough.

In other words you got louo you’re washed, and you’ve got the picture of a serving servant. Let me give you some examples. Somebody walks in Pilgrim and you got programs but you don’t give them one, somebody walks in pilgrim and it’s offering time and you don’t give them an envelope to contribute in the public offering, somebody comes in and we don’t serve them their communion and skip over them or Somebody comes in for special prayer and you pray all about yourself. or me not being sensitive in the spirit and God change the sermon because somebody needs to hear a fresh word from God Etc… You get the picture right?

Then the last of verse 10 says but all y’all ain’t clean…And It amazed me at how many of Jesus disciples said Lord is I.

I gather that they said this because each one had his own issues. In 2024 each of us have our own issues. And interestingly enough Jesus knows all of this.Let’ read verse 11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. it was a song that came out “God made me. He made me who I am”. God Knows me better than I know myself. I like the part where he knew who would betray Him because I can say weeoh wee Thank God it’s not me.

Because I have done some wrong things in my life, Say me too Rev. And now that I know, I can try my hardest not to be on the wrong side of History today. YEAH 3x.

And so Verses 12-17 says 12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. 17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

I see several things in the text.

1. In verse 12 Jesus washed their feet and then went and sit down again. Meaning the event lasted a certain duration then it ended. Listen clearly to my Philosophy of Religious Ministry ( People need you when they need you) After that you’re through with that part, It’s done. The work is done. Yes indeed

2. In verse 13 Jesus is saying I am your Lord. Let’s get deep Jesus is saying “I am your Kyrios” that Greek word it means “Jesus is the Supreme authority.” Jesus has to also be our Lord and not just our Savior. Jesus have to be in control of all of our actions in order for us to stay holy. WWJD

3. In verse 14 We see Ministry in Action Jesus is saying if you see me honor you then honor each other where it’s appropriate to do so. Verse 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. And that means that we ought not say what a waste like all of the disciples and especially Judas said when Mary the prostitute pour honor onto Jesus for His burial.

4. In verse 15 Jesus said I showed you what to do, now don’t go and rewrite the book. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. The Lord told me to give a preacher friend of mine $100 yesterday because I was calling about the 7 last words and he said boy Allen I’ve been catching here I ain’t even got gas money. I said after I come back from cutting grass in Houma, I’m driving back to Baton Rouge and put something in your hand.. I didn’t have him on my mind and just wanted to know about the 7 last words program. Yes Indeed. wait 3x The old me rose up and said You shouldn’t never called him,,,,, but the delivered, saved, and set free new man in me said and what’s a $100 to you, Your wife just got paid Friday today just Monday.

Don’t say you ain’t got it Judas.....I said OH Lord, You not calling me Judas. So I gave it cheerfully and I’m blessed to be able to tell the testimony. Lastly write this down “Follow God’s Pattern of Leadership”. NBC classes.

5. In verse 16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

Write this down the word Doulos in the Greek Vernacular is the word for servant and in this particular text is means the involuntary or voluntary qualified state of mind for subjection or subservient behavior to the Master for the Masses. Let’s slow down until everybody got this definition down pat.

Jesus washed their feet..and says very clearly in verse.16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

Jesus said matter of factly “I follow orders from the Father and you follow orders from me. That;s the way it goes and that’s the proper pecking order or hierarchy .

Then lastly 6. In verse 17 Jesus said if you follow my pattern of governance you’ll be happy 17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. and the worst thing in the world too do is to know right from wrong and then refuse to do what’s right, and then be miserable for it.

For a brief moment I’d like to discuss how Jesus foretells His betrayal by Judas look at verses 18-20 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. 19 Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he. 20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

1.A dark shadow now fell across the scene as Jesus dealt with Judas, the traitor. It is important to note that Judas was not a true believer; he was a hypocrite. He had never believed in Jesus.

2. In verse 18 It was obvious that Judas had not been among the chosen ones whom the Father gave to the Son. the word says that Jesus said “I know who I have chosen”.

3. The scriptures must be fulfilled and Jesus had two great concerns:

1. To fulfill the Word of God (John 13:18–30) and then

2. To magnify the glory of God (John 13:31–35).

4. I had to find out this part in the scriptures when Jesus said in verse 18 but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.

The Scripture Jesus quoted was Psalm 41:9—“Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.” When David wrote the psalm, he was probably referring to his counselor Ahithophel, who turned traitor and joined Absalom’s rebellion (see 2 Sam. 15–17). It is significant that both Judas and Ahithophel committed suicide by hanging themselves (2 Sam. 17:23; Matt. 27:3–10; Acts 1:18). And it was Judas’ own choice. Listen brothers and sisters the same SUN the same S U N that melts ice is also the same SUN that hardens clay. WE have a choice. Peter them didn’t betray Jesus they had just as many flaws.

and so 5.In verse 20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

This simply means that Jesus is saying truthfully that whoever accepts anyone HE sends also accepts HIM. And whoever accepts JESUS also accepts the FATHER who sent JESUS.” Listen to me if God truly sent you speak the truth of the word of God and leave it at that. You can’t argue with a fool that’s not rooted and grounded on the word of God because when you argue with them they’ll make you look like a fool too.

So Peter said John you the closest to Jesus you ask Him who He talking about. Look at verses 22-25. Let’s read them together. “Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake. 23 Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. 25 He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?

Jesus said it’s Judas and I’ll set the trap and everybody will see kind of see what’s really going on. Plus John says that Jesus gives Judas the bread and made him eat it and then Satan entered in him then Jesus said that which thou doest do it quickly. But here’s the thing this was done publicly with the disciples but it ambiguity tied to it.. It wasn’t crystal clear because verses 28-30 would have exposed Judas

28 Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him. 29 For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor. 30 He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.

And I get the feeling that if Jesus would have told on Judas right there, it might have turned into a knock down drag out fall out kind of thing.

And the effectiveness of the next set of statements might have been seriously diminished. You can’t be talking good one minute and then cussing and fussing the next minute. because listen to what Jesus said

31 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. 34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. Together again let’s read verses 34 & 35.

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

You and I can’t be Christians on an island all by ourselves because if you were on the island all by yourself you couldn’t be tested and tried.It’s the People ,Places and Things that test and try you.

I can be the perfect Christian at home but I’m not tested and tried until II go out and interact with people in this world.

Anybody can talk a good game but Chaka Khan said What you go to do for me when the chips are down. ah!!! Because Peter was talking a good game but the word of God revealed something else.36 Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards. Peter later became the first Papal Apostolic Father of the Christian Church in Rome. But this is years and years away from Jesus’ statement. But thou shall follow me afterwards.

37 Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake. You think you mean it but don’t say stuff you don’t mean Peter. Because says Really Peter for real Peter you gon lay your life down for me?

38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Really Peter for real Peter you gon lay your life down for me? Jesus said “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice”. And Peter should have left it at that...

And the bad part about what I’m going to discuss in Part two is that Peter cussed and said so and so I don’t know the man.