John 13:4-5, 7-8 ESV
“He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist.  Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.  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.”

On Thursday evening Jesus and his closest men had what we call the “Last Supper”. After the supper, Jesus took a towel and wrapped it around His waist like a servant would do when they washed the feet of visitors in the nicer homes. He filled a basin with water and began to wash the disciples feet. He even washed Judas’s feet.

Only Simon Peter protested. Jesus said that they would not understand this act now, but later they would understand. Then when Peter protested further Jesus told him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.”

What was the lesson? The disciples already had an elevated opinion of themselves, now they needed to understand true humility and love for one another. The 11 disciples were to be ministers to the world of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They had to minister not out of hautiness but out of humility.

We are to emulate Jesus, serving one another in lowliness of heart and mind, seeking to build one another up in humility and love. He washes away our sins every day of our lives, should we as His servants not treat each other with respect and love and do kind things for one another?

Prayer:
Lord, forgive us for hautiness and self conceit. Teach us daily to serve and love one another, even if they do not deserve it. You washed Judas’s feet and he was a trader. Teach me to follow Your example. In Your name Lord, Amen!