A New Commandment

The Story

It was Jesus’ last night with His disciples before the cross. “Having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.”

During supper, Jesus got up from the table. He took off His outer robe and wrapped a towel around His waist. He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet.

In those days, roads were dusty and people wore sandals. Washing feet was a job for the lowest servant in the house.

When Jesus came to Peter, Peter protested. “Lord, dost thou wash my feet?” “Thou shalt never wash my feet.” Jesus told him, “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.” Then Peter said, Not just my feet, Lord, but my hands and my head too.

When He finished, Jesus sat back down. “Know ye what I have done to you?” If I, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you should wash one another’s feet.

Later that night He said, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

Reflection