Primary Text: Matthew 26:14-25; John 13:1-30
Memory Verse: “You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, 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 should do as I have done to you.” John 13:13-15
Introduction:
The Last Supper is replete with symbolic meaning. From the footwashing to the bread and wine, the types and shadows represented have great spiritual significance. Close examination of these symbols reveal lessons about the Kingdom of God for every Christian.
First, the footwashing involves water. Water, in the Hebrew tradition, represents the Spirit of God. Scriptures about water explain that water can cleanse us, fill us, and satisfy us. Understanding the symbolic meaning of water helps us understand what Jesus meant when He told Peter that, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me” (John 13:8). Jesus was referring to more than what was occurring in the natural (e.g. the act of footwashing), but also to the necessity of being filled with the Spirit of God and allowing Jesus to fill us, cleanse our sins, and satisfy us with abundant life.
Additionally, the act of footwashing was done by Jesus to demonstrate to His disciples the humility He wanted them to practice. By meekly washing His disciples’ feet, Jesus showed a selfless act of servitude. He then instructed His disciples to follow His example by serving others in the same spirit of submission, unpretentiousness, self-sacrifice, and love.
The shadow of the cross had been evident since Jesus had first entered Jerusalem and Jesus knew that His hour had come. Even in the footwashing, we are reminded that Jesus’ reason for coming to earth was to sacrifice Himself for mankind. Consider the setting of the footwashing: taking place as the Passover was about to begin, Jesus knew that He was the lamb to be slain for the sins of the entire world. Also, He bowed before each disciple: showing that He would submit and give Himself to be crucified. He “took off” His outer clothing: an allusion to laying down His life. Then He wrapped a towel about His waist: a declaration that He would again “take up” His life (John 10:17-18).
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- What did Jesus understand about the events that were about to take place in the final days of His life? Matthew 26:1-5; Mark 14:3; Luke 21:37-22:2
- What motivated Judas to betray Jesus? Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:3-6; 1 Timothy 6:10
- What instructions did Jesus give when the disciples asked about where they would eat the Passover meal? Luke 22:7-13; John 13:1
- Discuss the significance of footwashing. John 13:2-17
- What directive does Jesus give His followers regarding footwashing? John 13:12-17
- Explain what Jesus meant by the statement, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me” (John 13:8).
- What does the fact that Jesus knew who would betray Him indicate about Jesus? Matthew 26:20-25; Mark 14:18-21; Luke 22:21-23; John 13:18-20