Symbols of Service - Part 2

He rises from the dinner table during mealtime and begins the lowest of services. The time arrives for Jesus to wash Peter’s feet, but Peter is embarrassed by the socially-debasing act of his Master. His protest is understandable: how could we possibly picture the supreme God stooping liking a slave, clothed only in a loincloth? It just doesn’t make sense.

This picture can only make sense with the cross in the background. Jesus’ initial reply that "later you will understand" is a call for faith and obedience even when there is not yet and cannot be understanding. Because Peter does not understand the events about to unfold in the death and glorification of his Master, he cannot understand the deeper significance of foot washing.

Jesus replies directly and forcefully, pointing out the necessity of accepting the scandal of the cross. The scandal of the cross and of Christianity is that God, through Christ is turning the world upside down. There is no more honored and dishonored, rich or poor, Jew or Gentile, slave or master. The scandal of the cross is that God showed firsthand that the right way to live is by treating one another equally by serving them, even to the point of dying for them.

His words in v. 8 are of paramount importance in understanding the meaning of this act of service: Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
Foot washing is so important, Jesus says, that without it one cannot have a part with him. The word used here in the Greek (meros) means to share with or be a partner with. The connotation in this context is not only a fellowship with Jesus, but also a sharing in his heritage, his kingdom. Foot washing, then, is much more than a moral example to be imitated, or a guideline for better Christian living. By symbolizing the sacrifice of Jesus, it also acts as an invitation to be "washed" into love and fellowship with Jesus; into a share of his kingdom as we are cleansed of sin. All of us, from the last to the greatest need the cleansing of Jesus.