SUMMARY
Unique to John, JesusJesus is the Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection are God's saving act for humanity. More washes the feet of his disciples as an act of abundant love.
ANALYSIS
On the last night Jesus has with his disciples, the central act is not the institution of the Lord’s Supper but the washing of feet. Jesus takes on the role of a servant by washing the feet of his guests, the disciples. In this gesture, Jesus not only shows his disciples what servant love looks like, but also as host, welcomes the disciples into his home with the Father. There are many connections between Mary washing Jesus’ feet and then Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, showing the mutual love expressed between Jesus and disciples. These connections to Mary’s love and devotion emphasize the contrast between Mary and the betrayal of Judas and the denial of PeterPeter (also known as Cephas, Simon Peter) was the disciple who denied Jesus during his trial but later became a leader in proclaiming Jesus. More. Surrounding the love commandment (13:34-35) is Judas’ departure (13:30) and the foretelling of Peter’s denial (13:36-38). To wash one another’s feet might also be to wash the feet of the ones who could turn against you. It will be this sign of abundant love that the disciples will need to show each other to be comforted in Jesus’ absence.
