Perhaps the aspect of our relationship with Christ that is least appreciated is our fellowship with Him. And for this reason do we live this life in constant pursuit of someone or something to satisfy that which Christ gave Himself.
Here’s a little snack: In John 13, the Passover was at hand. It was a fellowship of sorts that set the stage for the meal that Jesus would partake of with His disciples. To further illustrate the level of importance of Christ’s fellowship with man, Jesus stripped Himself of His outer garments and wrapped around Him a rag meant for cleaning. What a lovely symbolism of the length that Jesus would go to have fellowship with man.
Jesus then began to wash each disciple’s feet in perhaps the most humble act of service that could be offered by a king. One by one, Jesus crawled around the room, washing dirty feet, dragging the basin of water from one disciple to the next. When He came to Peter, in typical Peter-like character, he had something to say. Surprised that Jesus would serve him, Peter put up a fuss. “Thou shalt never wash my feet.” (verse 8) This conversation between Peter and our Lord would serve as a dynamic focal point in Christianity… and yet so often overlooked.
“Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.” (verse 8b) Jesus here was speaking of fellowship that can only be had through humble service. Peter, however, thought that Jesus was speaking of eternal salvation. We know this because of his next words, “Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also [my] hands and [my] head.” Jesus was quick to uncover this mystery for Him. “Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash [his] feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.”
In other words, “Peter, you are eternally saved; and my washing your feet is a symbol of my service to you as your example to serve others… even those who are not in the Kingdom.” I believe it was then that Jesus washed Judas’ feet.
It’s hard to imagine a king stooping to wash the feet of the one who would betray Him. Oh how he desired sweet fellowship with His people. The washing of feet was symbolic of the fellowship of service. But the service of Calvary would be for the purpose of eternal fellowship.
Jesus’ washing the feet of Judas did not secure his fellowship with the Lord. In fact, Judas thought little of his time in fellowship with Jesus. It angered him that Jesus would do this thing to him. It was then that he determined that he would sell Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.
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