During his final hours before the crucifixion Jesus set out to wash the disciples’ feet as was the custom in that hot and dusty time and place, although it was never expected that the leader would wash his own disciples’ feet. (John 13) It was very unusual, if not unheard of, for a leader to wash his follower’s feet. Thus Jesus’ disciples were uncomfortable having this done for them by their leader. Indeed, Peter, who often spoke his mind, even if doing so was unexpected and out of place, objected: “I will never let you wash my feet.”
At that point Jesus replied: “You do not understand now what I am doing, but one day you will.” After Peter repeated his vow to never let Jesus wash his feet Jesus said: “If I do not wash you, you are not in fellowship with me.” In typical fashion the overly dramatic Peter exclaimed: “Then Lord, not my feet only but wash my hands and head as well.” (13:9) After washing the disciples feet Jesus sat down with his disciples and asked them if they understood what was happening here. This, in my view, is the crux of the story.
Jesus went on to say: “If I your Lord and Master have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. In very truth I tell you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor a messenger than the one who sent him. If you know this, happy are you if you act upon it.” (13:16) A bit later on Jesus gave the disciples a commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you…If there is love among you then all will know that you are my disciples.” (13:35)
My main reason for focusing on this episode is that it highlights a crucial aspect of Jesus’ understanding of his own role and that of his followers. The symbol of their concept of “servanthood” was central to his own understanding of his personhood and his calling. This notion of servanthood was and is symbolized by the act of washing another person’s feet. While in college I sometimes worshipped with a small group of very conservative Christians (Plymouth Brethren by name) who still regularly practiced the “sacrament” of washing each other’s feet as a sign of their mutual, humble commitment to one another and to Christ.
The reason Jesus stressed this aspect of Christian discipleship is that it is the crucial mark of Jesus’ own life and death. Not only did he serve others during his ministry among the people of Galilee and the Jerusalem area, but he even went out of his way to comfort the others who were dying with him on their crosses. The act of serving others was central to Jesus’ own understanding and thus should also be central to the lives of those who claim to be following him. Christians must seek and find ways to meet the needs of others, even if not especially in their times of extreme difficulty and suffering.
In the very next chapter of John’s Gospel (15) Jesus develops the metaphor of the dynamic relationship between a vine and its branches as a symbol of how Christians should be bearing fruit in the lives of others. He challenges his disciples to “Dwell in his love” as a means of being able to share God’s love with others. I apologize for the “preachy” character of this blog, but it has always seemed t me that this is where the key notion of Christianity lies, in the service of others as a means of sharing God’s love.
The other side of Jesus’ understanding of his mission is revealed in the manner with which responded to those who were persecuting and eventually killing him at the close of the story. He refused to answer Pilate’s questions and did not try to defend himself against the charges of the Jewish leaders. Indeed, he struck a posture of patience and forgiveness as they put him through this deadly and misguided ordeal. The spirit of his final words are captured in these words: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing.”