When we think about Judas in the bible, we think of the man who betrayed Jesus and eventually led to his death. While with them, Jesus acted kindly to his disciples, including washing their feet. However, many bible readers wonder, “did Jesus was Judas’ feet?”
The book of John chapter 13 implies that Jesus washed Judas’ feet, as he washed the feet of all present during the Last Supper, including Judas. This act did not only show Jesus a physical act of service and kindness to humanity, but it also had a spiritual meaning.
So, what was the significance of washing feet in the bible? Did Jesus’ washing Judas’ feet have a symbolic meaning? Why did Jesus wash Judas’ feet even though he knew he would betray him? Read on to learn the answers to these questions and more.
What was the significance of washing feet in the bible?
We encountered the incident when Jesus washed his disciples’ feet in the book of John chapter 13. In the days of Jesus, modern transportation had yet to be invented, and people usually traveled by foot. Since most of his ministry involved moving from one city to another, we can only assume that Jesus’ disciples’ feet were so dirty.
We, however, see that Jesus humbles himself and does the washing, even though a servant was to do the job. As we read further, we understand that this act had a more significant meaning than the physical act that Jesus carried out that day.
First, Jesus washing his disciples’ feet signified his servanthood and humility to humanity. Although he was the son of God, Jesus’ mission on earth was to serve others, not to be served. Mathew 20:28 says.
Jesus knew that he had come on earth to do more than preach, and his actions on that day showed the disciples that if Jesus was able to wash their feet, they could wash anyone below them, as it did not matter. Additionally, we see how Jesus humbled himself before he started washing his disciples’ feet, teaching disciples and Christians to remain humble in the kingdom of God, as John 13:4-5 records.
Jesus ’actions also signified the salvation that Jesus brought to the disciples and Christians, as Jesus does not need to wash every part of us to receive it. When it was time for Jesus to wash Simon Peter’s feet, he resisted at first and informed Jesus that he would not allow him to wash his feet because he did not understand the deeper meaning of the action. However, Jesus tells him that he will have no part with him, showing that we won’t be counted among the righteous if he doesn’t receive salvation. John 13:8 states, “No, said Peter, ‘you will never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.’
Simon Peter requests Jesus to wash his feet, hands, and head. Jesus answers him by stating that one is only required to wash their feet, as it will cleanse their whole body. With this, Jesus was teaching his disciples and the Christians at large that all they have to do is accept him, and they will receive eternal salvation from him.
Lastly, the act of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet signified how the kingdom of God works, as no one is greater in the kingdom of God. Just before they had begun partaking in the Last supper, the disciples were questioning who was the greatest among themselves. Jesus, however, informs them in Luke 22:24-26 that the greatest will be the ruler who serves, not the one who sits at the table to be served.
When it comes to theologians, David H Roper from Ray Stedman’s organization implies that the act of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet had an enormous significance that still carries to today’s Christians. By washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus washed off our sins to free us from evil. This became an essential act as Christians do not have to be rewashed for their sins to be forgiven. All we have to do now is repent and accept him as our savior.
Did Jesus washing Judas’ feet have a symbolic meaning?
Jesus washing Judas’ feet had a symbolic meaning, as he already knew that Judas was the one to betray him, yet he went ahead to wash his feet too. Jesus knew that his time to die for the sins of humankind had neared and was already aware that Judas was going to betray him. John 6:70 says, “Then Jesus replied, ‘Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!’
Erik Raymond, a religious scholar, also speculates that Jesus washing Judas’ feet was a symbol of his forgiveness towards him, and he washed his feet to make him clean like the rest of his disciples. The devil had already prompted Judas to betray Jesus, and washing his feet was to make him of no sin.
John 13:2 says, “The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.” As we read, we see that Jesus’ mission had to be accomplished as the evil enters Judas Iscariot again, making him leave the dinner table.
Jesus also did that to symbolize the love everyone should have towards their enemies, as he had encouraged his followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. Mathew 5:43-44 says, “You have heard that it was said, love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”
Although he knew from the start that Judas would eventually betray him, Jesus loved him just like the rest of his disciples and washed his feet.
Why did Jesus wash Judas’ feet even though he knew he would betray him?
Jesus knew his time to die for humankind had come, so he went to wash Judas’ feet, knowing that he would betray him. God sent his son Jesus to earth as a human being. For him to die for our sins, fellow men had to get involved physically to accomplish it.
Bible scholars from Got Question ministries also suggest that Jesus washed Judas’ feet though he knew what would come, to set an example for his disciples. He knew that his time on earth was ending, and it was essential to set an example to his disciples to serve everyone with kindness and humility.
Another reason Jesus could have washed Judas’ feet, knowing that he would betray him, is that he did not want to leave or publicly call him out. Jesus called Judas early in his ministry, and it would have seemed unfair not to wash his feet out of all of his disciples.
References
- Why did Christ be Judas’ feet in John 13:5?
- Judas Betrayed Jesus with Clean Feet
- At Judas’ Feet
- Why Did Jesus Wash the Disciples’ Feet at Passover?
- What was the significance of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples?
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
