“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

— John 13:8

In summertime I often wear sandals. If I walk on sidewalks and pavement, my feet stay relatively clean. But when I venture onto a dirt path, my feet will quickly get dirty, and they’ll need washing when I get home. At the Last Supper, foot washing was necessary.

In Bible times, foot washing was standard hospitality before a meal or a banquet. Typically it was performed by a servant. So we can easily picture Peter’s surprise and disapproval when Jesus—their host and esteemed teacher— got up, took off his cloak, and began to wash and dry his disciples’ feet. “No,” Peter declared, “You shall never wash my feet.” But when Jesus explained, Peter said Jesus should wash his hands and his head as well.

Though Peter and the other disciples didn't understand this foot washing at the time, they later grasped Jesus’ deep, spiritual meaning in this lowly action. All who belong to Jesus need his washing—not from dirt but from their sins. And just as people’s feet needed washing every day, sinners need daily forgiveness. In this humble, selfless act, Jesus demonstrated our need for forgiveness, his power alone to provide this washing, and what it means to love—by sacrificially serving others.

When we share the love of Christ with the people around us, they will know that Jesus loves them too.

Lord Jesus, thank you for washing our sin away. May we too serve others selflessly, sharing your love and inviting them to know you. Amen.