Object lessons sometimes have more punch after they’re explained. Peter made this discovery on the night Jesus washed his feet. At first, the big fisherman voiced his strong objection, and next, he wanted Jesus to give him a bath. It’s kind of humorous, really. In fact, Jesus intended to provide his men with an example. By washing their feet, he demonstrated that becoming great in the kingdom of God meant becoming the servant of all (see Mark 9:35). After finishing the object lesson, Jesus explicitly told his disciples that they were to serve one another, help one another, and give preference to one another. No doubt Jesus had in mind the time an argument broke out in his presence as to who would be greatest in the kingdom (see Luke 9:24–27). Talk about missing the point! They were willing to fight for the throne — but no one wanted the towel.
Taken from Start! The Bible for New Believers
“Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “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.” When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 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.”
John 13:9-14
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