The text records events “before the Feast of the Passover” (v. 1). Jesus final moments before His imminent death He took as an opportunity to teach His disciples. Contained in these seventeen verses is a lesson of paramount importance to our salvation, and our lives of discipleship in this foreign land.

“After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet” (v. 5). By washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus further explained the nature of His ministry. Peter’s impetuous character influenced his bold statement, “You shall never wash my feet” (v. 8)! This he said without understanding Jesus’ actions.

Jesus’ act of servitude was one of necessity. He said, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me” (v. 8). Jesus’ decision to descend to earth was not motivated by divine need. Rather, it was motivated by mortal need. He did not come to be served, but to serve. While we do not deserve His service, we cannot be saved without it. And so, if He does not serve, we can have no part with Him.

Concluding this act of servitude, Jesus explained His expectations for His disciples. He called their attention to their relationship with Him. “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” (v. 14). If we are to be disciples of Christ we must serve one another!