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Book of John - Chapter 13 - Verse 5

13:5
After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

Meaning

In this verse from the book of John, we witness a powerful act of humility and servanthood by Jesus towards his disciples. By washing their feet, Jesus demonstrates the importance of serving others with a humble heart, regardless of one's position or status. In the culture of that time, foot-washing was typically done by the lowest servants, yet Jesus, who is the highest authority, takes on this role to teach his disciples a valuable lesson in love and humility. The act of washing someone's feet was not only a physical cleansing but also a symbol of cleansing one's soul and spirit. It serves as a reminder for us today to follow Jesus' example of selfless service and love towards one another. This simple yet profound act conveys a powerful message of compassion, care, and the importance of serving others with humility and love.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of the verse where Jesus washes the disciples' feet is that it symbolizes the humility and servanthood that is required of his followers. By performing such a lowly task as washing feet, Jesus demonstrates the importance of putting others before oneself and serving them with love and humility. This act also serves as an example of how Christians are called to serve one another in love, following the example set by Jesus. The act of foot washing in biblical times was typically done by a servant, but Jesus, the Son of God, takes on this role to teach his disciples an important lesson about love and service. The word "wash" in this verse carries the connotation of cleansing or purification, which can be seen as symbolic of the spiritual cleansing that comes through humility and selfless service. Overall, this act of foot washing serves as a powerful reminder of the Christian call to humble service and love for others.

American Standard Version

Then he poureth water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
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