True Light

John 13:4-11

4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 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. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 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.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean”.

Notes

The author made it clear that Jesus knew that the hour had come, which meant His suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension. Christ would no longer focus on the crowd but on His disciples. After supper, He would wash their feet, which was symbolic of His would-be sacrifice and an example to follow for His disciples. Jesus would reveal that not everyone is clean; He was talking about the one who would betray Him.

1. Washing of the Feet

   In those days, the lowest-ranking servant would wash the feet. Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, which was uncharacteristic of His stature as a teacher. The act would give an example for His disciples to follow, but more than that, it would foreshadow the ultimate service. His ultimate service is the suffering and death on the cross to atone for sins.

   
   4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 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 (John 13:4-5).

   Application: Understand and believe in the ultimate service of Christ, which was His suffering, death, and resurrection. He did not only take the form of a lowly servant by washing the disciples’ feet, but He also became the substitute to receive the punishment meant for the sinner. Those who genuinely believe will receive the blessing of eternal life.

2. Resistance to Washing

   Peter resisted the Lord's act of service to wash his feet. Perhaps Peter thought it was improper for the Teacher to do so. Jesus explained to Peter that he would have no share in Him if he refused. Peter misunderstood at first but would later receive all that Jesus offered.

   6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 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.” (John 13:6-8)

   Application: Receive all Christ offers, mainly forgiveness of our sins and eternal life. But it goes beyond that; it also includes the adoption to be sons and daughters. His Father becomes our Father. The doctrinal terms are justification by faith and adoption as sons.

3. Receiving the Service

   Simon Peter would change his statement. If washing the feet means receiving the blessings of Christ, Peter would also offer his hands and head. But Jesus would clarify that those who believed are already clean; only the feet must be washed. The meaning of the statement is deeply spiritual. Where justification is, there should be sanctification. Jesus would mention that not every one was clean, which was Judas.

   
   9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean” (John 13:9-11).

   Application: Receive Him, which means believing in Him (John 1:12). Moreover, live a sanctified life, which is a life dedicated to Him. It also means continuously aligning ourselves to His word. When we sin, we should confess our sins and turn away from them. Although we are justified by faith, we should continuously live a sanctified life.

Reflection & Discussion

1. Why did Peter resist?

2. What changed Peter’s mind?

3. Explain the symbolic act of washing the feet of His disciples.