I read recently the account of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet in John 13.1 – 20. The story of the final encounter between Judas and Jesus is in verses 21 – 30, but there are references to Judas in the foot-washing story. 

During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him,… Jesus said to [Peter], “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”…I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’

Maybe John wanted to make it clear that Judas was there and that Jesus knew what Judas was about to do, and he washed his feet anyway! Maybe Jesus was giving Judas one more chance to accept what Jesus came to do. Judas, like the crowd on Palm Sunday, knew and said all the right things. But the idea of a suffering, serving, foot-washing Savior was not what people had in mind. Nor do we, I’m afraid. 

I’m reminded of a time when I was on church staff and set up the chapel for a Friday morning, 6 a.m., Bible study the night before. I was more than irritated when I arrived at 5:30 Friday morning to find the chapel in disarray. The podium, overhead projector, and screen (these were the old days!) were nowhere to be seen. It turns out there had been a wedding rehearsal the night before, and the folks put our stuff out into the hall, not bothering to put it back.

While I was scurrying around (and thinking about who I was going to complain to), Terry the teacher came in. Terry was a leader in the community and the church, and a builder of high-end houses. He came in cheerfully, “Hi Bob. How are things going?” “Not too well, Terry. Somebody messed with our setup.”

I’ll never forget Terry’s instant response:

How can I help?

Terry understood that leaders are servants. I didn’t. I don’t mind serving as long as my position is respected, and I don’t have to do things twice!

You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. (John 13.13 – 17, ESV)

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10.45, ESV)

For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. (2 Corinthians 4.5, ESV)