During biblical times, most people wore sandals and walked from place to place on dirty roads. Because of that, it was common to find a basin of water near the entrance of every house for foot washing. Sometimes, the guest would have to wash his own feet. At other times, a servant would be provided to wash people's feet. Imagine what it would have been like to have the servant's job of washing people's feet. That would not be an enjoyable job—especially on a hot day. However, the guests would certainly appreciate the service rendered. In today's passage, Jesus and His disciples had arrived at their destination and were about to eat supper. No doubt they had walked a distance to get there and had dirty feet. But when they arrived, there was no servant waiting to wash the dirt off of their feet. What were they to do? To the surprise of the disciples, Jesus got up and washed each disciple's feet. He used this act of humility to teach them the important truths we will see today.