The command for believers to love one another was not a new commandment. In fact, Jesus explains (Matthew 22:35-39) that loving others and loving God are the essence of keeping God’s moral law.
So what was “new” in the “new commandment”? John prepares his readers for the answer in the first verse of chapter 13, when he begins to narrate how Jesus prepares His disciples for His death.
“It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.”
We are ready for a powerful movement, a demonstration of what real love looks like. And it’s not what anyone would expect, even the disciples. Jesus had full realization of His coming from God and returning to God, that “the Father had put all things under his power.”
Now, what should come next for the One who is set to inherit all things, the One most favored by God, the One with the right to do anything he wants? What would we do next?
Probably not what Jesus did. John tells us that Jesus took off his outer garment, wrapped a towel around his waist, poured water into a basin, and washed his disciples’ feet. Peter was so perturbed and embarrassed that he at first refused this humiliating humility.
Eventually, of course, Jesus lays down His life for His friends, which is the culmination of love, the ultimate sacrifice. He loved them “to the full extent of his love.” But the first indicator of that love, and what Jesus calls the disciples to imitate is washing feet.
“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” And He even puts it in the context of His being our Lord and Teacher. Uncomfortable, isn’t it? Of course Peter was upset.
Jesus is not commanding a ritual. In that time and place, washing dusty feet was a practical necessity, a courtesy for your guests, especially at a meal like Passover, and performed by a member of the household or slave with the lowest rank. The disciples, still arguing over who was greatest, missed this simple, but humbling gesture.
Today, feet don’t get caked with the dust of the road. Instead, souls accumulate the daily dust of fear, fatigue, failure, loneliness, and boredom. Love stops and stoops, and just like that, a call, text, note, visit, or even a smile washes it all away. Just for today.
It’s not difficult. It’s just that, well, who has the time, and besides, someone else surely will do it.
“Father, make us washers of feet, for your glory and our good, and for Jesus’ sake. Amen.”