Read John 13:1-20

“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.” (John 13:3–5)

This is a section of Scripture that you can feel. The emotions. The solemness. The humility. It’s all beautifully portrayed and sensed. It still mystifies us even 2,000 years later.

As the sun fell behind the horizon and the candlelight of the room flickered brighter, the disciples watched as their Master physically took on the appearance of a bondservant. “What is Jesus doing?" was the question of the hour.

The Lord of Glory laid aside His majesty with His garments. The King of kings became the servant of servants as He fastened a towel around His waste. The One who is high and lifted up lowered Himself in humility as He poured water into a basin. The Creator’s hands washed the disciples’ feet.

Had they ever experienced such an act of humility? Never.

The disciples were humbled by Christ’s humility. They were perplexed, vexed and perhaps embarrassed. Peter even tries to refuse it!

“Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” (John 13:8)

How quickly did Christ’s act of humility show Peter his pride! But Peter quickly realized that he must accept Christ’s humble gift otherwise he could have no part of Him (see John 13:8).

Oh! — to imagine how we would feel to sit there helplessly as the our Lord took off the sandals from our feet and begin to wash them. Does not Christ’s humility make you weep at your own pride? Does not the imagery of Christ’s inferiority make you mourn at your own ego? I am weeping even as I write this. Because I know my heart would be as Peter’s, “Not so, Lord! I can't receive it! Who am I that You should wash my feet?”

Truly, it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of a Living God — especially whose hands are willing to wash us. But Jesus would become even more humble still. He bore our cross and took our guilt and shame. Yet, how many of us walk this Christian life not accepting the humble gift of His precious blood today?

Beloved, do you not realize that to doubt Christ’s forgiveness is to be cry out in pride as Peter did? — "You shall never wash me Lord!” Christ’s humility begets our humility. Yes — it takes being humbled by Christ to receive Christ's humble gift.

Therefore, Dear Church, don’t be as Peter. Don’t refuse Christ’s gift of Himself. Cast off your pride and receive Christ's washing today — don’t doubt it. Have part in Him, and be cleansed! Let your prayer be "Wash me Lord! Wash all of me!”* *Let the precious blood of Jesus Christ wash over your sins (see 1 John 1:7) and let Christ wash you in the water of His Word (see Ephesians 5:26-27).

“[He] made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:7–8)