John 13 begins with Jesus and his 12 apostles in the upper room, after the Passover feast. According to V1 Jesus knew that his hour was come that he would leave this world and return to his Father in heaven, having loved his own which were in the world. Judas Iscariot was there as well, the one who would betray Jesus, and his hour had come as well for the betrayal. But even this was in the control of Jesus.
V2 tells us that "the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot to betray him"
The fact that Judas would betray Jesus shows that having been a follower of Jesus for 3 1/2 years, having been a witness of his teaching, preaching and healing ministry, he never did believe on Jesus as the Christ of God. He always referred to Jesus as Rabbi, (teacher) not Lord. The fact is that Jesus chose Judas knowing that he would be the one that would betray him so that he would go to the cross, shed his precious blood to atone for sin, and take upon himself the penalty of sin. All of this was pre-ordained.
V3-17 "Jesus.....ariseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel..Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?" Jesus answered him that he didn't understand now, but that after he would. But Peter protested "Thou shalt never wash my feet..." But Jesus said "he that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean but not all. " After he had washed their feet...and was set down again he said unto them, know ye what I have done to you?......if I..your Lord and Master have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example that ye should do as I have done to you. ...if ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."
This is a difficult passage. Why would Jesus the Christ, their Lord and Master, wash their feet? They were stunned but Peter, as far as we are told, was the only one who protested because he supposed himself to be unworthy for his Lord to wash his feet. Jesus here is taking the servant's position in washing their feet. By saying that they are washed and only need to wash their feet, he is saying that they are saved, but they need daily washing. This is done by keeping short accounts with God. When we do something we know we shouldn't do, we should confess it to God. Then we are cleansed. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit in every believer certainly convicts the heart when something is said or done that shouldn't be.
When Jesus said "ye are clean but not all" he was referring to Judas who would shortly betray him. It is amazing to me that Jesus must have washed the feet of Judas as well since Judas was with them at this time. The Son of God washing the feet of his betrayer is truly something to marvel at.
Christians can "wash each other's feet" in service to each other. By being loving, being helpful, doing what may be asked of them.
For more teaching on this subject of foot-washing, follow the link below at Got Questions.
Foot Washing
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vcg
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