Christ Washing Peter’s Feet

Christ Washing Peter’s Feet ~ Ford Madox Brown

“Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;  He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.  After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded . Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?  Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.  Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.  Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.”  John 13:3-9

There are many beautiful paintings of Jesus washing Peter’s feet.

I like to  just study each painting especially the feet and the hands…

the water…

the humbleness in the portrayal of Christ’s example of love and servitude…

contemplating the quiet atmosphere of the event…

the stillness…

the water splashing on the flesh…

The painting above is one of my favorites,  by Ford Maddox Brown in 1851. And here are some earlier versions depicting this awesome lesson that we should humbly serve one another as Christ did when he  washed the disciples feet…

Christ Washing the Apostles’ Feet – Otto III Gospels c. 1000

Washing the Feet of Peter ~ Pietro Lorenzetti c. 1320

Jesus Washing the Feet of His Disciples ~ Giovanni Agostino da Lodi c. 1500

Christ Washing the Apostles Feet ~ Dirck van Baburen c. 1616

This event was written in the Word to give us this example through time and these paintings are visual depictions through the ages…

Here are some contemporary versions…

Jesus Washing Peter’s Feet by Sieger Koder

“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Matthew 23:11

This is our life if we are servants of Christ…are we willing to serve in humbleness and love?

 ‘One Man’s Journey To Heaven’ at Bath Abbey

Category : Christ, humble, servant, washing