Yet Jesus Still Washed Their Feet

In the Gospel of John, chapter 13 verse 4-5 it says:

“He rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself… He began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.”

This truly reveals the heart of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Imagine the love and humility—for the King of Kings, the Creator of the universe, to bend down and wash the dust from the feet of His disciples. And among those feet was Judas, whom Christ knew would betray Him. Judas, driven by greed, agreed to hand Jesus over to the religious authorities in exchange for thirty silver coins. He identified Jesus with a kiss in the Garden of Gethsemane, leading to His arrest. This was the same man who had followed Jesus, sat with Him, and shared meals at the same table.

Yet Jesus still washed their feet and says…

“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)

My beautiful Tewahedo Orthodox sister, this is not just a story—Christ is showing us how to love like Him. To be kind when it’s hard. To forgive when you’d rather turn away. To serve even when no one notices. And to hold your head high in humility, knowing that your strength comes from the Lord.

In the Tewahedo Orthodox faith, the profound act of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet is reenacted by the priest every year on Holy Thursday. We are truly blessed to be part of an amazing Church that treasures this sacred mystery of love and has faithfully preserved it for centuries with courage and holiness. When you read about Jesus washing the feet of even those who would hurt Him, remember this:

You are called to do the same.

In a world where people can be cold, selfish, or unfair, betray you, you are called to carry the love of Christ in your heart—a love that forgives, that humbles itself, that serves even those who may not appreciate you.

When people mistreat you, when you’re tempted to give up, when love feels costly…

Remember the basin. Remember the towel. Remember the hands of Christ.

And remember how our Lord saw every betrayal, every denial, every moment of human failure… Yet He still washed their feet.

And we must do the same!

Selam Seyoum