The Gospel of John: Come and See God's Humble Servant

In John 13, Jesus is eating with his disciples prior to the Passover feast. John is seated at his right and Judas Iscariot on his left. As they recline at the table, sharing together, Jesus stands up, removes his outer garments, wraps himself in a towel, and washes the feet of his disciples. The disciples can’t understand why Jesus is doing a task reserved for servants, nor what it means. But now, after the ascension of Christ, John understands and brings out the meaning for us.

First, Jesus cleanses his followers making it possible for them to share in his glory. If he doesn’t cleanse us, and if we don’t look to him for cleansing, in his words, “you have no share with me” (v.8). Second, cleansing doesn’t give us power over others as some elite status in the culture; that kind of thinking is characteristic of the Pharisees of Jesus’ day. Those who are cleansed are now to become servants of all, humbling themselves to engage in the cleansing work of Christ for the world.

While the cleansing work of Christ gives us “standing” with God, that standing is not used for oppression or control, but for service. Jesus’ followers serve by offering his cleansing grace to the world. Join us Sunday as we consider this beautiful text.