The Symbolism of Jesus Washing His Disciples' Feet
Jesus washing the disciples' feet before the Passover symbolizes humility, servanthood, and love. By demonstrating the act of serving others, Jesus teaches his followers to prioritize selflessness and equality over selfish desires. He sets an example for them to treat each other with compassion and without judgment, emphasizing the importance of love and service in relationships.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
RE LI: To understand why Jesus washed the disciples' feet and reflect on the meaning this has for us
When did Jesus wash his disciples feet? Why did he do this?
It was before the festival of the Passover (Holy Thursday) and Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to pass from this world to the Father. He had always loved those who were his own in the world but now he showed how perfect his love was. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus answered, "At the moment you do know what I am doing but later you will understand" "Never!" said Peter, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus replied, "If I do not wash you, you can have nothing in common with me."
"Then, Lord," said Simon Peter, "not only my feet, but my hands and my head as well!" Jesus said, "No one who has taken a bath needs washing, he is clean all over. You too are clean, though not all of you are." He knew who was going to betray him, that was why he said not all of you are. When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garment again he went back to the table. "Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me Master and Lord and rightly; so I am. If I, then, the Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you should wash each other's feet. I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you" John 13: 1-15
What did Jesus proves by washing his disciples feet? Even though Jesus is God, while he was on Earth "He did not cling to his equality with God, but emptied himself to assume the condition of a slave..." He was not just performing an act of kindness, he was doing the work of a servant. He did not claim any status for himself or high position of Lord and Master. Jesus is not asking us to wash each other's feet but instead to get out of thinking about our selfish interests, that is, just thinking about what we want. We need to think of the needs of others before our own. We need to think of each other as equals and we shouldn't judge. This is the message that Jesus has for us.
It was during the meal that Judas left the table and went out to betray Jesus to his enemies. Jesus knew this and tried to booth warn and comfort his disciples. "My friends I shall not be with you much longer..." "Do not let our hearts be troubled. Trust in God still, and trust in me" "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life" "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask what you will and you shall get" "If you keep my commandments you will remain in my love"
