The Service of Our Saviour

The Service of Our Saviour

Genesis 37-39 | Psalm 13 | John 13

In the account of Jesus washing His disciples' feet, we find not only a clear example of the nobility of serving others; we see within that teaching a presentation - an 'acted parable' - of the power and service of the death of Jesus.

Jesus knew the time for His saving work had come, 'so He proceeded to wash His disciples feet.' We find that the physical washing performed by Jesus is representative of the Spiritual washing that will occur in all who trust in Jesus; that Jesus' act of service in the physical washing at the meal is representative of His immense act of service in the washing away of sin on the cross. It is as He approached Peter (and in the ensuing dialogue) that this meaning behind Jesus' act is made plain.

Peter, out of respect for His Lord and Master, refused to allow Him to perform what seemed such a menial and degrading task. Some commentators believe Peter to be here representing the pride of unredeemed mankind: Peter would have much rather washed the feet of Jesus than have it the other way around. Though this seems a natural response (and most believers I'm sure would sympathise with Peter's sentiment) his refusal is nevertheless against the will of His Lord, and in this instance shows that he temporarily and inadvertantly thinks himself wiser than his master. Just like those who would provide their own salvation rather than have it handed to them; Peter, in a form of proud humilty, preferred going against Jesus' wishes than seeing Jesus humiliated in such an act.

Jesus reasoned with Peter that he didn't know what was truly happening, but would later understand. Peter again refused, and Jesus responded that unless He washed Peter, Peter would have no part with Him. This was and is Jesus' response to those who would not accept His gift of spiritual cleansing: they will have not part with Him - those who cannot accept the grace of God cannot share in Christ. As Matthew Henry put it, "It is not humility, but infidelity, to put away the offers of the gospel, as if too rich to be made to us or too good news to be true."

Peter replied, "Then Lord, not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" - Peter accepted Jesus' act when it was part of His authority and grace; but disliked it when it seemed to be humiliating. However, Jesus' physical act was a symbol of complete cleansing: Jesus reminded them that a person who had bathed has no need of further washing - i.e., those who are willing to accept the cleansing which His own submission to death makes available to them, are wholly clean; no other washing is required, no further salvation is necessary.

It remains to heed the lesson of this parable summed up by Jesus in verse 14: "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet."

Jesus served His disciples in washing their feet - but more than that - He served all mankind by dying on the cross. It is those who can accept such an undeserved gift that receive it, and those who have received such a gift must make themsleves servants to others. As R. V. G. Tasker exclaims, "The servant, who has been rendered such a supreme act of service by Him whom he rightly calls Lord and Master, cannot be exempt from the duty of loving his fellow-servants; for to claim such an exemption would be to assert that He was greater than his Lord."

Truly then, we are to love one another. As Jesus has loved us, so we must love one another. By this all men will know that we are His disciples. (vv.34-35)

Praise God that He has enabled you to accept His wonderful and gracious gift of salvation in Christ, and pray that you may truly love and serve your fellow man as Christ has loved and served you.