Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet

John 13: 1 – 5 (NIV): It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

The disciples knew something big was about to happen. They had watched the crowds lay down palm fronds and chant “Hosanna!” as Jesus entered Jerusalem on the donkey. They had seen Jesus raise people from the dead. They figured he was about to be crowned King.

So it surprised them when Jesus stripped off his outer clothing and began to perform the job of the lowest house servant – he began to wash their feet. Disgusting! We all watched Prince William ride through London with his beautiful bride in that beautiful carriage recently. What if William had stopped the carriage, stripped off that red coat, and began to polish the boots of the horsemen following behind him?

But Jesus' Kingdom is not like any in this world. In Jesus' Kingdom, the least are the greatest and the humble are exalted. In Jesus' Kingdom, those who are the greatest are the servants of others. Believe me, Jesus is the King; he's the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, but his Kingdom is not of this earth. It horrified the disciples when, hours later, Jesus was not crowned King, but crucified as a common criminal. But when he rose again they began, slowly, to understand.

God's Kingdom is the only one where the King dies for his people. We are used to seeing people die for their king or country, but not the other way around. If we are to be the greatest in God's Kingdom, then we, too, will be like Christ. We will be servants to others, humble and full of love. We will be concerned about the needs of others, and not just ourselves. We will have the humility to give help to others and to accept help from others. We will not be selfish or full of pride.

And there is something else Jesus taught us that night. He knew he was about to be abandoned and betrayed by these men, yet he washed their feet. He taught us to forgive. In the Kingdom of God, there is forgiveness. In God's Kingdom, there is grace.