It is Thursday evening. The sun has gone down. The Upper Room is laid in readiness for the meal. Jesus and his disciples have come in from the dusty streets. Their sandalled feet are dirty and uncomfortable. Here stands the pitcher and wash-basin – and there lies the long linen towel.
But there's no servant here to do the menial task of kneeling, undoing their sandal-straps and washing their feet. One of the disciples ought to perform the task. But no one stirs. A few moments ago they were arguing among themselves about who is greatest. (Luke 22:24)
Now each is hoping someone else will make the first move. One disciple is even set on treachery. Upon his person – in that very room – are the 30 pieces of silver, the price of his betrayal. But none of the other disciples know or suspect it.
Jesus waits a long time. The food is already on the table. Still no one moves. Then Jesus acts. Calmly he rises and removes his clothes, until he wears only the loin-cloth of a slave. He ties the towel about his waist, pours out the water, kneels and begins to wash the disciples' feet and dry them on the towel. A shocked, embarrassed silence fills the room. Until Jesus comes to Peter.
What is this action that Jesus is doing? Jesus knows his hour has come. I came from the Father and entered the world: now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father. (John 16:28)
Jesus has loved these men: now he will reveal to them the full extent of his love. In symbol and in reality Jesus is fulfilling the work his Father sent him to do. Now he consecrates himself for its completion. He is about to lay down his life for his friends. It will not be taken – even though he is betrayed. Not by the malice of Satan or the scheming of his enemies – for this is what he came into the world to do. Jesus knows he is the Lamb of God. He knows he has authority to lay down his life – and to take it again. (John 1:29; 10:17-18)
You don't realise now, Peter, what I am doing, but later you will understand.... Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.
We can't understand – or receive – the love of Jesus – until we see it in relation to the Cross. His love isn't natural affection – or a sentimental feeling – but a deep commitment of his whole person to us, whatever the cost.
Because our hearts are cold and our minds confused, we need things made plain. Here Jesus stands as a PROPHET, in final succession to all those of the Old Testament. They used symbolic actions to get their messages across. So now does Jesus. And what he teaches is love – sacrificial love. A love that knows our greatest need is cleansing from the guilt, the penalty and the power of sin. For we have all sinned (Rom 3:23) and cannot put ourselves right with God. (John 3:36; 13:8; Rom 3:20; Psa 143:2)
Steeped in the words of the prophets before him – Jesus knows he must be betrayed, even by one of his own. (Luke 22:21,22; Psa 41:9) He knows he is the Shepherd whom the Lord will strike – and the sheep will be scattered. (Zech 13:7; Matt 26:31) He knows and says – he will be numbered with the transgressors – to drink the cup of the Lord's anger – as the Lord lays upon him the iniquity of us all. (Luke 22:37; Isa [51:22]; 53:12,6; Matt 20:22) And Jesus is willing to go through with it – because it is the will of his Father, who loves him – and who loves us.
Afterwards, when Jesus has died for us – then the Father's gift of his Spirit will be given to those whom Jesus has cleansed – those who love and obey Jesus. And the fruit of the Spirit will be love. Love each other as I have loved you... Now that I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash – go on washing – one another's feet. I have set you an example.
Your Lord. Jesus' action is also KINGLY. But not according to the pattern of this world. Earthly kings receive their authority from men – who honour those who exert power. Such kings exalt themselves above the people – whom they oppress. (Luke 22:25) In Rome they address Caesar as My Lord and my God, for he is declared divine, holding together the worlds of men and gods. But it is all illusion, the invention of men.
The true King receives his authority from God. The true king loves his people and sacrifices himself for them. His greatest glory is seen in his greatest humiliation. It is not in symbol alone that Jesus strips himself and takes the form of a slave. He is already identifying himself with us – in our bondage to sin. It is taking him to the Cross – with its accusation: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews. (Matt 27:37)
Already Jesus has begun to wrestle with Satan on our behalf. Satan has desired to have over-confident, self-willed Peter – who could see the incongruity in his Lord washing his feet – but not in his trying to dictate to Jesus. But I have prayed for you, said Jesus – and he does the same for each one of us. (Lk 22:31,32)
We need the One who is mightier than us, who has defeated our foe, who will set us free – to love and serve him. We are called to be his witnesses – even his martyrs.
But Jesus' own death is no martyrdom. For he is acting as a PRIEST when – at this meal – he puts aside the Passover Lamb and substitutes himself. For 13 centuries men had looked back to that mighty deliverance in Egypt. Countless lambs had been slain – but none of their blood can deliver God's people from the judgement of the Last Day. Only the blood of the one perfect Lamb can provide cover, so that the Angel of Death will pass over us. (Heb 10:4; 9:12-14; Exod 12:23 [cf 1 Chron 21:14-17])
Every Passover the temple priests examine the lambs for ritual purity, purity and perfection – but none tomorrow will see before him God's morally spotless and perfect sacrifice. Only at his own hands will Jesus offer up to God his broken body and outpoured blood – his perfect life in a once-for-all exchange for ours, that are forfeit. (Heb 9:11-12; 10:5-10,12; Gal 3:10-13)
So now – as a Priest, who loves us tenderly and who knows our every weakness (Heb 4:15); – Jesus takes the bread and wine and invests these symbols with meaning. This is my body which is given for you... This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for the forgiveness of sins. (Luke 22:19-20; Matt 26:26-28) He does it so we shall remember him.
But the Old Testament allows only memorials in the name of the LORD – only his name is to be exalted. (Deut 5:7-11; 10:14-21; 16:22; 28:58; Isa 2:11; 12:4) But Jesus knows he is doing the Father's will. Passover really looked forward to him – and from now on men will look back to him and to the Cross. It is Father and Son together, whose name we exalt. Both gave – that we might live and not die.
Jesus also takes the bread and wine so that he may give them to us to eat and drink. We can only live if we eat and drink – that is, if we receive what Jesus – our great High Priest – has done for us, and receive him as our Saviour and King. (John 6:35,40; 47-63; 7:37)
The Son of God loved me and gave himself for me. (Gal 2:20) What kingly love! Be embraced by this love! He values and loves us utterly. Let us receive his cleansing, his washing. It will cost us all our pride and self-will – but it cost Jesus everything. Let us ask for his Spirit – so that we may love him and one another – as he loved us.
Amen.