Betrayal With Clean Feet

“For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!” – Mark 14:21.

Jesus washes the disciple’s feet and then predicts His betrayal by Judas. “Now Jesus was deeply troubled, and he exclaimed, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me!” The disciples looked at each other, wondering whom he could mean.The disciple Jesus loved was sitting next to Jesus at the table. Simon Peter motioned to him to ask, “Who’s he talking about?” So that disciple leaned over to Jesus and asked, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus responded, “It is the one to whom I give the bread I dip in the bowl.” And when he had dipped it, he gave it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot. When Judas had eaten the bread, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus told him, “Hurry and do what you’re going to do.”…So Judas left at once, going out into the night.” (John 13:21-30)

What Judas does with his life is the worst thing he could do with it. There is nothing worse that he could have done in his life than to betray Jesus. This indescribable example of washing of the feet included all of the disciples, even Judas. It is clear that the Lord Jesus knew what was going down with Judas as evidenced by the passage above. Jesus knew that the terrible events and terrible hours that awaited Him would be put into motion by one of those closest to Him. But in spite of that knowledge, Jesus bent down at the feet of all of His disciples, even Judas, and washed their feet.

Think a minute about the scene. Judas is scheming for how and when he will betray Jesus. “They were delighted when they heard why he had come, and they promised to give him money. So he began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.” (Mark 14.11) He is considering his options while Jesus is washing his feet. The very hands that will soon be pierced through with nails for the sins of all mankind, are at this moment serving by washing even the feet of the one who will betray Him.

Soon after Jesus would tell Judas to go. “…Hurry and do what you’re going to do.” (John 13.27). And so he went. He went to betray Jesus and he did so after having his feet cleaned by the Son of God and God the Son.

The whole scene engenders all kinds of emotions and reactions. I examine my own heart while marveling at the Savior’s. I know that if it were not for the grace of Christ, where would I be.  I just have to thank my Savior for His arresting, converting, and persevering grace that will not let His people go once they are saved. 

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your reaction to Jesus washing Judas’ feet?
2. What does this say about Jesus’ love for His disciples?
3. How does seeing Jesus serve and love His disciples help you to understand how you are called to serve and love people in your life? 
4. What can we do this week to serve better?