THE UNLIKELY ACT OF LOVE

“When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” ― John 13:6.

The story of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples is a powerful act of humility, love, and servanthood that offers profound lessons for believers today. It is recorded in John 13:1-17, during the Last Supper, when Jesus, knowing that His hour had come, chose to perform a humble task typically reserved for the lowest servant.

Jesus’ act of washing the disciples’ feet was revolutionary. In that cultural context, feet were considered dirty, and it was a servant’s duty to clean them. Yet, Jesus, the Son of God, took on this role, demonstrating that true leadership is rooted in humility and service. His actions challenge us to examine our own attitudes toward serving others. Do we consider some tasks too menial? Are we willing to serve with humility, regardless of our status or position?

As Jesus washed each disciple’s feet, He showed that leadership in His kingdom is different from worldly notions of power and authority. Instead of asserting dominance, Jesus exemplified servant leadership—leading through love, humility, and sacrifice. This act also symbolized cleansing and renewal. Jesus later explains in verse 8, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me” indicating that spiritual cleansing and renewal come through humility and willingness to serve.

Furthermore, Jesus’ words to His disciples after washing their feet—“I have set you an example, that you should do as I have done to you”—are a direct call for believers to adopt a mindset of servanthood. Jesus did not merely set an example for them; He challenged His followers to embody that same spirit in their daily lives. Genuine love and humility are at the core of Christian service.

This story also reminds us that Jesus, fully aware of His divine authority, chose to humble Himself voluntarily. His act was not out of necessity but out of love and an example for us to follow. In our everyday lives, we might be faced with opportunities to serve those who are difficult to love, or to seek humility in roles that seem insignificant. Jesus’ example calls us to embrace these moments as opportunities to reflect His love and humility.

In conclusion, Jesus washing the feet of His disciples is a timeless illustration of how true greatness in God’s kingdom is found in service. It challenges us to abandon pride, to serve selflessly, and to lead with humility. As followers of Christ, let us remember that modeling Jesus’ servanthood is essential to living out our faith. May we be inspired by His example to serve others wholeheartedly, demonstrating love through humility and sacrifice every day.

 Discussion Questions:

1. What does Jesus’ act teach us about authentic leadership and serving others? 
2. How should we respond to Jesus’ humility and love in our own lives?
3. How does this event connect to the cleansing of sin and the new commandment to love one another?