Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet

Early in the normal process of the Passover liturgy, the host ceremonially washes his hands. This was a great honor and was symbolic of his acting as the high priest for those gathered. Instead of accepting this honor, it seems Jesus assumed the role of the lowest of servants and washed their feet.

Also, in 22:24-27, Luke adds the contention over who was the greatest as an added thought, not telling us exactly when it occurred. This contention over who was the greatest had been brewing since the mother of James and John had asked for their elevation to posts of honor in Jesus’s coming kingdom. It may have been stirred again when no one stepped forward to assume this menial task of cleaning everyone’s feet of the filth of the street. (Remember, the streets were also the sewers.) If so, it would have actually been who was the lowest and who, therefore, should have done this. Whether verbally or by lack of action, it seems this was the motivation of Jesus to step in and teach at this juncture. Surely, the foot washing was in response to each feeling that some other disciple, who was of lesser rank, should take this task.