Jesus washing His disciples' feet - John 13: 1-17

Behind this simple scene, we see a deep significance to this act. He took off his outer garment. It signifies His setting aside His deity with power and glory. He left his Father's throne in submission to the will of the Father. He took on our humanity, became a helpless babe, grew up as a boy then a man, and subjected himself to all our human frailties. He emptied Himself of all but love and bled for Adam's helpless race. He was prepared to set aside the outward visible manifestations and prerogatives of deity and assumed the form of a slave.

He took a basin of water and girded himself with a towel. In other words, he took on the menial task of a servant. He knelt down and washed his disciples' feet, symbolising the extent He was prepared to go. In order to wash the feet of the disciples, He had to kneel down before them.

Humility  We see the human side of Jesus, perfect obedience and submission. Now we come to the other side in John 13: 4-5 a contrasting picture, not normally associated with our idea of authority. "He got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel round his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.'

Humility is not ignorance of our own capabilities or talents. That gifted person is in control and uses his gifts in serving others without arrogance and pride. He serves for one purpose - the glory of God. He did not have to command the disciples to do something. "Come on, you guys; get the job of feet washing done." Jesus did not have to emphasise the importance of humble service or servanthood. He merely acted in humility.