What did Jesus do to the disciples before the Last Supper?

Before the Last Supper, Jesus took the surprising and humble step of washing His disciples' feet. This act, captured in John 13:5, is rich with meaning and cultural significance. In ancient Israel, washing feet was the job of the lowest servant. So, imagine the astonishment on the disciples' faces when their revered teacher and leader knelt before them with a basin of water—a gesture that flipped traditional social hierarchy on its head.

In this unexpected moment, Jesus taught an invaluable lesson about humility and service. He showed that greatness in His kingdom is not about power and status but about selfless love and serving others. This echoes throughout the Bible, reminding us of sentiments found in Proverbs, which highlights that humility comes before honor (Proverbs 15:33).

Additionally, Jesus' washing of the disciples' feet can be seen as a prophetic gesture anticipating His sacrificial death on the cross. Just as He purified them physically with water, He would provide spiritual cleansing through His forthcoming sacrifice. Isn’t it fascinating how a mere act of washing feet has reverberations that echo through the ages?

Moreover, the original Greek word for "serve" (douleuō) used in various contexts in the New Testament often emphasizes total commitment to others. So, the next time you think about acts of kindness, remember that each small service can bring about profound change—much like the way a foot-washing crafted the course of history right before the pivotal events of the crucifixion!