Foot Washing Part III: Foot in the Mouth

Not so tasty...

October 23, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Recap: Yesterday, Jon introduced the story of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. It was quite shocking as their Cosmic Rabbi chose to get down on the ground and do the work of a lowly servant for them. Such a shock was well expressed by their most vocal member… this we will explore today.

Cutting off ears. Selling fish. Talking way too fast. No wonder the Apostle Peter stands out as one of the most memorable figures in the Bible. 

I think many of us find him quite relatable.

Maybe not so much the whole cutting off an ear thing (or maybe you can relate to that, I don’t know your story) but more so for just how well he represents the humanity of Jesus’s followers.

Peter was a fisherman,  not well educated, and far from cosmopolitan. His life probably didn’t get more exciting than a rowdy school of fish giving him and the guys a bit of trouble now and then.

Of course, that was all turned on its head when he met Jesus.

When Jesus called Peter and his brother Andrew to become His disciples the two men did not hesitate (even if some hesitation came later) and it makes sense why.

Many passages depict Peter, at this stage of life, as well-meaning but also impulsive, reckless, and hotheaded. The story we’ve been following is a great example of that. 

Jesus is making his foot-washing rounds and gets over to Peter. Shocked, Peter forbids Jesus from taking that towel to his feet. (The confidence to say no to the literal Messiah is impressive. Not smart or wise, but impressive.)

Jesus simply responds to Peter by saying, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

Peter quickly changes his tune, saying, “Then, Lord, not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

(I can’t be the only one who reads this with the comedic timing of a modern-day sitcom.)

Now the great thing about Peter putting his foot in his mouth was that it allowed Jesus to expound upon the meaning behind his foot washing.

As we talked about yesterday, foot washing was a servant's job, NOT something you’d expect from a rabbi like Jesus.

Yet, He does it all the same.

There’s a lot that could be said here. It’s a beautiful subversion of earthly power structures and an incredible testament to God’s character and love.

What Jesus is saying with this act is that the humble work of a servant is the very kind of work that embodies His character. It’s an integral part of what he came to do. 

Such an integral part that embracing this side of Him is a non-negotiable for His followers.

It’s a stunning illustration of just how far God is willing to go for us.

The Apostle Paul writes about this in Philippians 2v6-11, where he highlights the humility of God taking on flesh to bear the brunt of humanity’s sins… 

Who, being in very nature God,

 did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

 rather, he made himself nothing

 by taking the very nature of a servant,

 being made in human likeness.

 And being found in appearance as a man,

 he humbled himself

 by becoming obedient to death—

 even death on a cross!

 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

 and gave him the name that is above every name,

 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

 in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,

 to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2v6-11

It’s really quite profound.

The implications are even more so.

Here is the most powerful Being conceivable. The One who spoke reality into existence. Transcendent and without limit. It doesn’t get any higher than Him. 

And what does He do with all that power and wisdom?

He washes the feet of others. He serves those He loves.

It’s an attractive picture and understandably so and to experience life with Jesus is to receive such work from Him.

And while receiving such a gesture is quite easy, Jesus doesn’t stop there. He’s got something else to say. Something that doesn’t come naturally to many of us.

We’ll explore that tomorrow.

For now, be blessed.

Jon

Theophilus Newsletter

Everyday we will include the short of the day, related to the topic of the newsletter. Today: Why is Peter relatable?