Why did Jesus wrap a towel around his waist and wash his disciples’ feet? Why did he make “himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant” (Phil. 2:7)?
Here’s what he says in John 5: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does” (v. 19).
He didn’t spontaneously think of the foot-washing activity. He was imitating someone—his Father. In some way, he saw his Father stooping over to wash dirty feet. The God of Jesus is a servant God full of compassion and tenderness—an amazing Father.
After graduating from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, I served as a high school Bible teacher in Asia. I enjoy traveling, writing, and playing the drums. For a deep dive into church history and the character of God, see my book Surprised by Hell.