The answer is: Feet, hands and head

John 13:9 - Spiritually, Peter wanted to be completely cleansed.

When Peter asked Jesus to wash his feet, hands, and head, it was a bold proclamation of his desire to embrace a deeper spiritual connection. It’s fascinating to think about foot washing in the context of ancient cultures. In biblical times, washing someone’s feet was reserved for servants; it was both a practical and symbolic act of hospitality and humility. Here, we encounter the turmoil of Peter's misunderstanding: hoping for fullness when he was already in the presence of Christ who did not demand such formal cleansing to establish connection.

In John 13:9, Peter’s request reflects a heart that longs for purity, deciding that if part of him was to be cleansed, he desired thoroughness. How often in our own journeys do we feel we need to prove our worthiness? The lesson here is valuing a relationship rooted in grace rather than perfection. When Jesus explains that the ones who have been "bathed" only need their feet washed, he illustrates that spiritual connection comes through acceptance of His grace, which empowers cleansing from sin.

Interestingly, customs surrounding shoes—like how removing them denotes reverence—adds a theological layer to this event. Additionally, many spiritual leaders emphasize the recency of dirt on our journey, directing us towards a recurring need for self-reflection and recommitment rather than an exhaustive scrubbing of convictions. In this reflection, we can see parallels in our personal spiritual practices where it's not about the methods, but about the intention and desire to engage with something greater.