Setting the Stage [John 13:1-15]
Jesus and His apostles had gathered in the Upper Room for their Passover meal. As they were eating, Jesus rose from the table, placed his outer garments to the side, and put a towel around His waist. He then filled a bowl with water and without preamble began to wash each of the apostles’ feet and then dry them with His towel.
This act was unexpected and caused some of the apostles to be very uncomfortable. [John13:3-9]
Remember that in Jewish society (and still across much of the Middle East) the foot was considered to be the dirtiest part of the human body.
Shoes (as we have them today) were almost non-existent in Judea at the time. Most people wore sandals to walk in. And the construction of a sandal doesn’t provide much protection to the foot that’s wearing it. The open design of the sandals allowed virtually everything that the traveler walked through to leave at least some residue on his feet.
Also, there was no running water in the city. There were no public or private restrooms (at least not in the vast majority of homes). The streets of the towns and cities were used as sewers. Residents commonly poured their garbage and their refuse into the street that ran in front or behind their homes and trusted the next rain to wash it away. Consequently, anyone walking in sandals was bound to pick up some pretty nasty material during the day.
Washing another’s feet was considered one of the most demeaning acts that a person could perform, and was normally done by servants or slaves. However, there were no servants present in the Upper Room, and everyone’s feet were still dirty from their day’s travels.
So, when Jesus began to wash their feet, the idea that their Master would humble himself so was inconceivable.
The Reason
Jesus explained that this was an example of how He expected the apostles to treat each other, and by extension, how He expects Christians to treat everyone today. [John 13:12-15] In other words, there is no task that we can perform for one another that should be considered beneath us. We must all be willing to do whatever is required for one another, even if it means washing each other’s feet.
The Example
This is a true lesson in Humility. Jesus had already spoken of Humility in Matthew [Matthew 20:16] and in Luke. [Like 14:11] But by His example, he made the meaning and importance of what He’d been saying real. He left no room for doubt or equivocation. They (and we) were either to be humble, or they (and we) would be outside of the grace of God. “If I do not wash you, you have no part in me.” [John 13:8]
Pride
It is said that the first (and most potent) sin is Pride. It was pride that led Adam and Eve to desire to be like God and thereby lose their place in Eden. It was ultimately pride that led the members of the Sanhedrin to accuse and commit Jesus in their sham trial. Their pride would not allow them to accept that they could be so wrong about God and what He wants from us.
Pride has been with us as long as “we” have been, and it is likely to be with us until the end of days.
Pride Opposite Humility
Pride places our concerns before those of others, whereas Humility places the concerns of others before our own.
Pride tells us to feel good about ourselves and our accomplishments, but Humility leads us to feel satisfaction about and for others and their accomplishments.
Pride drives us to believe that we have the “answers,” whereas Humility leads us to consider that there may yet be more for us to learn.
The list could go on and on, but you get the point.
Pride is the first and most dangerous of sins, whereas Humility is the first and most important of virtues.
Pride the Enemy
Pride is the enemy of our proper relationship with others and thus an enemy of our relationship with God. Our relationships (whether with God or with other people) can thrive only in the absence of Pride. Strong and fulfilling relationships, whether with God or with others, will flourish only when we engage in those relationships with true Humility.
True Humility
True Humility is a genuine feeling for and about another person in the relationship, regardless of the nature of the relationship. It is an authentic caring more for the other person’s welfare than our own.
True Humility is not used to impress, nor do we call attention to it in order to gain notice or favor. When we display or call attention to our humility, it serves only to separate us further from God, not draw us closer. Jesus’ parable about the Prideful Priest is a wonderful example of this kind of false humility and its consequences. [Luke 18:9-14]
Importance of Humility
Much of Jesus’ message was that not only is our most important relationship with God but that it is most evidenced in our relationships with other people. He challenged His apostles (and all Christians to follow) to strive for a close relationship with God and considered Humility as the foundation upon which all fulfilling relationships are based. [Mark 9:35]
In other words, we cannot be authentic Christians in a vacuum. To be authentic in our relationship with God, we must also be authentic in our relationships with other people. And, the foundation of any healthy relationship is rooted in our own Humility.
Challenge
If the Son of God can, without pause, humble Himself to wash His own apostles’ feet, how can we not demonstrate our Humility by stooping to help those around us in whatever manner they require?
The old adage, “Actions speak louder than words” is very true. And Jesus shows us just how true that is.
Let’s take the challenge. Let’s strive for true Humility in all our relationships. Because when we do, we’re taking a step toward God, not away from Him.
God’s Blessings on You All.
Richard
September 6, 2019
