Washing Feet
4TH and 1
Washing Feet
Jesus
Washes Feet (13:1-5)
Ancient feet were dirty! Washing the feet of
another person was the task of a slave. During what is now referred to as the
‘Last Supper,’ Jesus shockingly washed the feet of each disciple to demonstrate
His love and to foreshadow the cross.
Jesus
Talks to Peter (13:6-11)
Peter was indignant at the thought of Jesus, his
Master, washing his feet. But Jesus had already bathed him (spiritually), and
this washing simply represented the continuation of that relationship. After we
are forgiven, the process of cleansing must continue.
The
Example to Follow (13:12-18a)
After humbling Himself in this way, Jesus
returned to His place (also symbolic, see Philippians 2:6-11) and commanded
them to follow His humble example. If their Master was willing to serve them,
how much more should they be willing to serve each other?
_____________________________________________
Throughout this section there were references to
the coming betrayal (verses 2, 10b-11, 18a). Next week we will go more in depth
discussing the role of Judas who betrayed Jesus (13:18b-30).
Questions to Consider
1.
How does the chronology in the 4th
Gospel fit with the chronology of the Synoptic Gospels?
2.
Why does the 4th Gospel omit
the institution of the Last Supper?
3.
How does this foot washing episode
demonstrate the full extent of Jesus’ love?
4.
Was Judas the devil’s puppet?
5.
If Jesus knew He had power over death,
was dying really such a big sacrifice?
6.
Why are we told such tiny details as
Jesus taking of His outer clothing (v. 4) and putting them back on (v. 12)?
7.
Should ‘foot-washing’ be a regularly
practiced sacrament like baptism and communion?
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