The foot washing on Holy Thursday: Jesus’ humility, love, and sacrificial service

Exod 12:1-8.11-14; Psalm: 115; 1Cor 11:23-26; Jn 13:1-15

The Gospel of John records an event, the night before Jesus was crucified. In today’s Gospel, Jesus performs an incredible act of humility and service by washing the feet of his disciples. This passage reveals profound truths about the nature of Christ and the importance of servanthood in the Christian life.

First and foremost, the act of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet is a powerful demonstration of his humility. Jesus, who is the Son of God and the Savior of the world, willingly takes on the role of a servant in order to demonstrate the depths of his love and compassion for his followers. This act challenges our understanding of power and authority, showing that true greatness lies in serving others rather than seeking to be served.

Furthermore, the foot washing is a symbolic representation of the cleansing that comes through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Just as the disciples’ feet are cleansed by Jesus, so too are our souls washed clean by his blood shed for our sins. This act foreshadows the ultimate act of redemption that Jesus will perform on the cross, demonstrating his love and mercy towards all who believe in him.

The act of foot washing also serves as a model for Christian discipleship. Jesus tells his disciples, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15). This challenges us to follow in Jesus’ footsteps by embodying his humility, selflessness, and love in our own lives. As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate his servant leadership by serving others with a humble and sacrificial heart.

In addition, the act of foot washing serves as a reminder of the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in the Christian life. When Peter protests and refuses to allow Jesus to wash his feet, Jesus responds, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me” (John 13:8). This underscores the necessity of Christ’s cleansing work in our lives, and the importance of receiving his forgiveness in order to be in right relationship with him.

The foot washing also points to the unity and community that should characterize the body of Christ. As Jesus washes the feet of his disciples, he emphasizes the need for mutual love and service among his followers. This act of humility and servanthood breaks down barriers and promotes unity among believers, reminding us that we are all one in Christ and called to love and serve one another.

Furthermore, the act of foot washing challenges our cultural norms and expectations regarding power and privilege. In Jesus’ time, foot washing was a menial task reserved for servants or slaves. By taking on this role himself, Jesus subverts these societal norms and reveals the upside-down kingdom of God, where the greatest is the least and the least is the greatest. This challenges us to rethink our own attitudes towards power and privilege, and to embrace a mindset of humility and service in all areas of life.

The foot washing on Holy Thursday extends beyond the simple act itself, pointing to deeper truths about the nature of Christ and the call to discipleship. Jesus’ act of humility and service reveals his true identity as the Son of God who came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). It also challenges us to examine our own hearts and attitudes towards others, encouraging us to emulate Christ’s example of love and selflessness in our relationships with one another.

In conclusion, the foot washing on Holy Thursday is a powerful and profound demonstration of Jesus’ humility, love, and sacrificial service towards his disciples. This act reveals the nature of Christ, the importance of servanthood in the Christian life, and the need for forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity within the body of Christ. As we reflect on this passage, may we be inspired to follow in Jesus’ footsteps by serving others with humility, love, and compassion, embodying the gospel message in all that we do.