On the evening before His crucifixion, Jesus gathered His disciples for the meaningful and memorable celebration of Passover. Surely Jesus emphasized the meaning and importance of the sacrificial Passover lamb, the blood of the innocent applied to the home and heart of the guilty, and the people’s emancipation from a lifetime of slavey.
The Beloved Disciple, John, recorded the story of the last Passover and the first Memorial Lord’s Supper, with this…
“Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end … Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into his hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God” (John 13:1, 3).
Jesus knew that the time of His cruel and undeserved death was at hand. He understood that He would bear the guilt and shame of my sinfulness. He knew that the wrath of Almighty God would be poured out upon His shoulders. “He loved them to the end.”
Jesus would convincingly demonstrate His great love upon the cross. But first, Jesus demonstrated His tender love with an act of selfless sacrifice and service. The Divine Son of God, “got up from supper, laid aside his outer clothing, took a towel, and tied it around himself. Next, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel tied around him” (John 13:4-5).
Jesus played the part of the lowest, most menial slave. In humble service, Jesus tenderly washed the dust, dirt, and filth from the feet of His disciples.
When it was Peter’s turn, he refused. “You will never wash my feet” (John 13:8). Jesus insisted and Peter relented (John 13:6-11).
Having completed the humble task, Jesus said, “I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done” (John 13:15). “Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35).
“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).
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