This event of Christ washing His disciples’ feet set an example of humility and love for the earliest members of the church as it is described in St. John’s Gospel (13:1-20) as well as a Prologue to Christ’s Passion. This prologue does not deal with the glory but rather the self-emptying of our Lord, Who humbled Himself to the point of performing the task of a slave.
During the Jewish ceremony of blessing the meal, the youngest member brought a bowl of water for the head of the family. Christ, however, reversing roles is He Who takes the place of the youngest family members and washes the disciples’ feet.
St. John Chrysostom says that Christ exhibits humility; not only by washing, but that He waited till they all sat down before He arose. He does not merely wash their feet but does so by putting off His garments, girding Himself with a towel and filling the basin Himself. He did all these things showing that we must do such things not merely for form’s sake but with all zeal.
Therefore, Christ’s gesture is thus more than an example, more than the encouragement of a spirit of service and humility. It reminds us that no one on earth can call himself master and lord.