The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum John 13

Actually, foot washing was practiced among the Jews for centuries prior to the coming of Christ. I'd be curious where the "Gentile slave" idea came from.

You are certainly correct to list some of the common lessons to be gathered from this text, e.g., humility, etc. But I think there is a far more important lesson taught there and it transcends how we should conform ourselves. What I read in this passage is about Christ and His humiliation, i.e., a pre-crucifixion expression of His love and servanthood on behalf of all those who He came to die (Matt 20:28; Mk 10:45; Lk 22:27; Phil 2:5-8). Secondly, we are given a glimpse of that most necessary "washing" which Christ Himself does for us; not we ourselves nor with our aid; that washing away of sins in His shed blood.

And I really appreciate what a man named, Temple writes on this passage: "We rather shrink from this revelation. We are ready, perhaps, to be humble before God; but we do not want Him to be humble in His dealings with us. We should like Him, who has the right, to glory in His goodness and greatness; then we, as we pass from His presence, may be entitled to pride ourselves on such achievements as distinguish us above other men... man's humility does not begin with the giving of service; it begins with the readiness to receive it. For there can be much pride and condescension in our giving of service."