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New Testament

Jesus Washed Judas’ Feet

did Jesus wash judas feet

I’ve been reading through the Bible chronologically this year with one of the Olive Tree Bible App reading plans.  Right now, I’m reading the Gospel accounts of the Last Supper.  I’m struck again by Jesus.

At the last meal they would have together before the cross, the Messiah, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, takes off his robes, wraps a towel around himself and washes the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-20).  I’ve read this account that’s only recorded in John’s Gospel dozens of times.  Yet, like the Holy Spirit often does, this passage was made anew as I read it recently.

Here’s what struck me: Judas was heavily influenced by Satan (if not possessed) at this point (Luke 22:36, John 13:2), but Judas was present for Jesus to wash his feet.  I find this humbling and encouraging.  What?!?  Yes, encouraging.  Why?  Because even though Jesus KNEW Judas was going to betray Him, Jesus served him.  Jesus knew what was in Judas’ heart.  He knew the betrayal was coming.  Jesus knew the anguish that was coming. The beatings, the scourging, the agonizing walk to Golgotha, and the ultimate torture, the cross.  Yet, even in this moment of humbling Himself, Jesus washed Judas’ feet, this man Judas who was pivotal in fulfilling the Scriptures and prophecies about the Suffering Servant.

Jesus humbled Himself and SERVED His greatest enemy.

I don’t know about you, but I have trouble serving my closest loved ones.  It is difficult to humble myself, to serve, and to put others’ needs before my own.  I can’t fathom putting a backstabber’s needs in front of my own.

At the same time, that is what I am.  I am the backstabber, the betrayer.  I am the one who put Jesus on the cross.  It is my sin that put Jesus there.  How many times have I turned from God’s grace to live, act, be, and do what I want for my own selfishness?  But Jesus served me by going to the cross.  This is humbling because of my sin, but encouraging because of how much Jesus loves me.  Even though Jesus knows me, He served me.  Even though Jesus knew that I would betray Him, He went to the cross willingly.

John 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.

Here is my example:

I am to serve, love, and do for others like Jesus did for me.  I am to put down my own needs, my own pride, and serve others, even those who will betray me.  Even those who will turn their backs on me.  I am to love and serve as our Lord and Teacher Jesus Christ loved and served me.

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15 Comments

  1. Bob Osgood

    Thank you for posting that. That is a great observation you made. We need to remember that Jesus died for what we did, he reconciled us to God through that action. Sometimes I take that for granted and that is a serious failure when I do that. Thanks for reminding us of how much Jesus loves us.

    • Ikechukwu Anugom

      Judas is not an enemy of Jesus but His destiny helper, so He has to serve him to keep him alife in order to help Him fulfill destiny

  2. Andrew Osakue

    How lovely and inspiring. I wish we can all imbibe that spirit and be as forgiving as our Lord who is indeed is our example. It takes a humble and loving heart to get there.

  3. Kingsley

    That is awksome revelation.We need to humble ourselves to serve others no matter our level in all endeavors

  4. Timothy Lee

    Thank you dear brother. God used you in a great way in sharing those awesome truths.

  5. Andrew Osakue

    Thanks indeed for making public your inspiration on the humility of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.
    One interesting thing about the bible is the fact that the words are living and active and bring revelations. The humility and love of Jesus as opposed to the pride of satan who imagined in his heart that he should be the one being worshipped (Isa 14:14) is the cardinal difference between Christianity and other religions. Because Jesus humbled Himself in total obedience despite the fact that He is God, which earned him a name above other names, that , at the name of Jesus every knee must bow to the glory of God the father. The humility of Jesus gave the most powerful name on earth which has become our greatest weapon of warfare. Hallelujah.

  6. Peter

    True, Jesus gave us an example of dealing with an enemy in his chosen group, but he treated them equally. Thank you for your good teaching.

  7. Gaile

    Thank you for simply confirming my thoughts on this as I study.

    • She

      Man vs. The Word of God. I agree with the Word of God,

  9. Tom Sperduto

    Thankful for this article.
    I was praying this morning about a response I read in the comments section of an article. The article was on a Christian site and the article was about people allowing their children to grow up gender neutral. The comment left was one word – “Freaks”. The comment ,and the Christians in agreement with it by likes etc, has made me sad, depressed and questioning how much we read our Bibles before judging others or sharing our opinions. I’ve been praying for understanding about an appropriate response to the comment even though I don’t post comments on articles or comment with my opinion.
    I’ve been praying about not judging the person who left the comment and compassion for those who confuse it, and disregard it.
    I was praying again about this today, convinced there is a lesson in the reason why the comment keeps returning to my thoughts, and clear as a bell the words came to me, “Jesus washed Judas feet”. My response was wait, what?? He did??l” I googled it immediately and this is the first article listed with those words in the search.
    We are called to count all others more significant than ourselves. That doesn’t mean we are called to agree, or sugar coat the gospel. It does mean we are called to respond in love and without judgement.
    There is no “us” against “them.” There is only Him.

  10. Mark

    Ellen White also says that Jesus washed Judas’s feet:

    “Jesus said to the disciples, “Ye are clean, but not all.” He had washed the feet of Judas, but the heart had not been yielded to Him. It was not purified. Judas had not submitted himself to Christ.”
    ….
    “He washed the feet of His betrayer.” – From her book, Desire of Ages

    She also says that Jesus washed Judas’s feet FIRST and John’s last.

    link here: https://www.ellenwhite.info/books/ellen-g-white-book-desire-of-ages-da-71.htm

  11. teri copley

    Was Judas there? This foot washing was after supper…. judas left at the supper! it says then supper being ended Jesus got up and washed their feet… judas wasn’t there….. he did not get his feet washed…..

    • Monty Galloway

      Hi Teri,
      According to John 13:21-30, Judas was identified as the betrayer after the foot washing that occurred in John 13:1-20.