For Maundy Thursday, a good reading would be from John 13:1-17. Sure, the Tecarta Bible scheduled it on Saturday. However, I feel a good reading for Maundy Thursday, in commemoration when the Lord Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. This was before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus, as God the Son, was fully aware that His time had come. Jesus was going to become the Passover Lamb, to fulfill the sin sacrifices. Every sin sacrifice wasn’t going to wash away sins. They pointed to the One who would take away the sin of the world. Jesus, the Lamb of God, would take away the sin of the world. A much better covenant was coming indeed!
It was at this time that God allowed a very wicked thing to happen. Judas Iscariot was influenced by Satan. Satan had now put into Judas Iscariot’s already hardened heart, to betray Jesus. What we must realize is that God is in control. Jesus gave a perfect picture of trusting God. Jesus got up from the meal, took off His outer cloak, and proceeded to do a job expected only of a low slave. Footwashing was a task assigned only to the lowest-ranking household slaves. It was not an action performed by a peer, except possibility as a rare expression of profound love. Luke points out that the disciples argued about who was the greatest (Luke 22:24). When Jesus moved to wash their feet, they were shocked.
Footwashing was necessary because of the dirty and dusty conditions of the region. I could expect a lot of sand and dirt. In Genesis 3:19 says, “From dust you are and dust you will return.” Dust would be a reminder of our own mortality. The body’s decomposition happens when the person dies. When a body is burned, it goes back to dust. Jesus washing the dust from the feet taught a lesson in selfless service. Jesus taught the principle of servant leadership. The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, during the ministry. Many times, menial labor is looked down upon. Jesus did this menial task because He was indeed the Father’s Son and Servant.
Peter’s reaction to Jesus’ act
Simon Peter was then shocked at the action. The proceedings embarrassed all of the disciples. However, Peter spoke up in indignation that Jesus would wash his feet. This reminds me of John the Baptist saying, “I ought to be baptized by you.” This is a very far cry from the Popes who claim not just to succeed Peter, but also to claim the name Vicar of Christ. The only true Vicar of Christ is God the Holy Spirit. Peter never claimed anything above himself. Instead, Peter was terrified not just at the holy. Peter may have found the idea that the Son of the Living God would do such a lowly task for a sinner like him.
Jesus then explained, “Unless I wash you, you have no part of me.” Peter then having another impulsive moment, said, “Then Lord, not just my feet but my hands and head as well!” I believe Peter was pointing back to the Mosaic law. Jesus then answered this startling statement that would reveal the traitor within their midst. Jesus already warned in John 6 that one of them is a devil. Now Jesus answered Peter, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet, their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.”
If this wasn’t Peter being humble, it’s most likely humility mixed with pride. A person can be willing to do a menial task, but that willingness can be unexpectedly mixed up with selfish motives. A person may help an old person cross the street. However, the person may soon find themselves taking pride in it, even if that person didn’t accept reward money. The person may develop a judgmental view at a certain point. Jesus was addressing Peter’s pride problem. Jesus was showing continuous service, a pattern for the Christian life. Not everyone was clean referred to as Judas Iscariot (John 6:70). Judas Iscariot was already called a devil–meaning that he wasn’t saved at all. Judas Iscariot’s unsaved state was further revealed in John 17, where he was called the son of perdition.
Then Jesus told the disciples that if He was their Lord and Master who washed their feet, they ought to wash each other’s feet. They were given an example or pattern to follow. Jesus then says that the servant isn’t any greater than his master, neither is he that is sent greater than he that sent him. Jesus guarantees joy in doing the Word of God, regardless of the difficult circumstances. The blessedness in doing God’s Word is later portrayed when the apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ’s sake (Acts 5:41).
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