← Back
1

What is the meaning of John 13:8?

No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!” 
Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.” 

John 13:8

ESV - 8 Peter said to him, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.

Clarify Share Report Asked January 29 2023 1678030644.260467 Charles Crabtree Supporter

Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.

2
Mini Robert Hibbard Supporter Retired Christian High School Teacher
Peter does not want the LORD to "stoop" to a servile position of washing feet, but Jesus replies to Peter (and all disciples) that if you want to be with me you must also be willing to serve. Remember that Jesus Christ was both Savior and Servant.

January 30 2023 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


1
My picture Jack Gutknecht Supporter ABC/DTS graduate, guitar music ministry Baptist church
This is an interesting question, Charles!

Peter opposed Jesus going to the cross (Matt. 16:21-23), Wiersbe observed. He was just an impulsive kind of guy. But what would have happened to us if Jesus did not go to the cross? We would not have been forgiven of our sins. That would have been very bad!

But Jesus brought Peter around with His reply: "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me." (John 13:8).

January 30 2023 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


1
Mini Justin Hale Supporter
Satan has done quite a job obscuring the meaning of 'foot washing' and hiding the reality that Christ used His 'total authority over heaven and earth' (Matthew 28:18), to declare the end to the 'age of aristocrats' when He presciently proclaimed:

"But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” (Mark 10:31).

This is actually the 'new world order,' which has led to the 'age of democracy' and 'liberty.' In response, Satan now insists that the 'new world order' is actually a 'secret society' plan to re-enslave the world, perpetrated by shadowy pseudo-aristocratic figures and their still 'superior' or 'illuminated' families. 

In reality, Satan and the 'secular' world have no choice now but to accept 'public service' as the new standard set by Jesus Christ, which comes directly from the idea presented by our Lord here:

"And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves." (Luke 22:25-26).

The 'foot washer' was the lowest of servants. He was also the 'porter' (that is, door keeper), which scripture describes as the lowest position of authority in the heavenly kingdom too, (Psalm 84:10). 

Yet, think about the importance of this position. The 'porter' decides who comes in. Which means that he is the functional 'head' of security. He also honors the arriving guests with a service that not only refreshes and renews them at his own expense, but it prevents disease and filth from outside ending up inside the house and causing sickness or discomfort. 

When you think about it, this guy has ALWAYS been the least appreciated yet most important person in the entire house. If he does a poor job, the 'more important' members of the house might be robbed or killed, subject to disease, or otherwise 'infiltrated' by a relentless evil always searching for a new way in.

Our own unwillingness to feel 'small' is what actually makes us vulnerable to all of these imminent threats. This is what the 'public servant' is now supposed to be doing for us---at his own expense. He lets himself feel 'small' so the rest of us can be safe and comfortable. The closer we get to that with our own 'public servants' the better off our society will be. The further we drift from this new model, the more 'problems' we face. 

In Christ's newly emerging world, the one who refuses to accept this new form of service and who does not insist on their own 'leaders' playing this vitally important role 'has no share [inheritance]' with Him.'

Why?

Because such a person is still clinging to the 'old world order' where Satan was still 'in charge' and rigid 'roles' for family, land ownership, and social classes were violently enforced and centered around a 'benefactor' and 'superior' who served no one and who everyone else served instead. This reinforced all of the 'culture wars' over race, class, gender, education level and tribal history that Satan is still futilely trying to reignite under the guise of 'social justice.' 

"For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds." (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

Not so with genuine Christians:

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28).

"Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all." (Colossians 3:11).

February 05 2023 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


Add your Answer

All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.

What makes a good answer? ▼

A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.

  1. Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
  2. Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
  3. Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
  4. Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
  5. For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible
Header
  1. 4000 characters remaining