Jesus washes His disciples feet.

It was the night before Jesus was to leave the disciples, the night before the events leading to the crucifixion. The night must have been extraordinary. John uses five chapters in his gospel to tell all about what Jesus said and did that night, as He gathered his disciples one last time before his death and resurrection. He treated them in a very special way, He gave encouragements and advice that impacted them for the rest of their lives. He wanted to help them understand what was about to happen.

Jesus started by washing their feet. This was extremely controversial. Even slaves were hardly asked to do such a job. All the disciples probably reacted, but it was Peter who protested loudly. To him there was no reason why Jesus should wash his feet. But Jesus replied that if this didn’t happen, they could no longer be part of each other, so Peter asked Jesus to not only wash his feet, but also his hands and head. No, he probably didn’t understand Jesus, but he did not want to lose his relationship with Him.

He was to understand later, when the drama at the cross was over and he met the resurrected Jesus. Both Peter and the others understood that they were to have relationship with Jesus at all times and in all eternity. Just because He was willing to come, bow down and become everyone’s servant. By washing their feet, Jesus wanted to show the disciples that He was a servant willing to bow not only to their level, but below their level.  He went down to the consequences of our sins; to God’s verdict of death.

He who came to serve us all the way into death, endured it and now lives today. That is why He can serve us with what we need, which is to have our sins washed away. And by cleansing us, He gives us eternal life. If we understand this, we have a wonderful reason to welcome the message of Easter yet another time, with joy and thankfulness to our great servant.

Anfin Skaaheim