The Emotions of Easter - Disgust of Thursday

Part 3 of 5 Emotions of Easter posts is Disgusting Feet
Part 2 on Tuesday was the Fear of the Pharisees
Part 1 on Sunday was the Joy of Palm Sunday.  This post also included an introduction to the Emotions of Easter posts.

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The Bible reading for today is the Upper Room account from John 13, specifically the foot washing section.   


Here are some thoughts to consider as you reflect upon John 13.

Feet are disgusting.
Let me rephrase that. 
My feet are disgusting.  I know that because my sister has always reminded me of that fact.

In an article entitled "The Humility of Love," John MacArthur writes  "Normally, foot washing was the duty of the lowliest slave. When guests came, he had to go to the door and wash their feet—not a pleasant task. In fact, washing feet was probably his most abject duty, and only slaves performed it for others. Even the disciples of rabbis were not to wash the feet of their masters—that was uniquely the task of a slave."

Through his incarnation, Jesus humbled himself (Philippians 2:6, 7).
Through his words, Jesus taught humility (Matthew 20:26, 27).
Through his washing the disciples feet, Jesus modeled humility.
Through his obedience to God, Jesus humbly died (Philippians 2:8).

Feet are disgusting.
Washing feet is disgusting.
Yet, there is Jesus, the one who is given the name that is above every name and the name at which every knee should bow (Philippians 2:9, 10), on bended knee washing his followers' feet.

Here is the truly disgusting moment at this dinner.  In the parallel passage of Luke 22 a dispute arises among the disciples about who is the greatest.  
Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper.
Jesus washes the disciples' feet.
The disciples argue over who is the greatest (Luke 22:24-26)

In the same article, MacArthur writes "What a sickening picture this is! They were bickering about who was the greatest. And in an argument about who is the greatest, no one is going to get down to the ground and wash feet. The basin was there, the towel was there, and everything was ready. But no one moved to wash the others' feet."

John 13:1 tells us that Jesus loved them to the end.

This Resurrection Sunday, let's remember that the one who rose victorious from the grave and ascended with glory into the heavens, humbly washed his bickering disciples' feet.

Here are some questions to think through and talk about.

Humility can be shown in many different ways, not just washing feet; what are some others ways you can demonstrate humility?

What is the difference between Jesus' humility and our humility?
Here are two statements to help you think through this.

• Regarding Jesus' humility, think about who he is, where he came from and what he did.
• Regarding our humility, think about this definition of humility:  "To pursue humility means choosing to accept the fact that your knowledge and abilities are limited and in light of that, you are regularly seeking help and graciously receiving advice and correction."