"This painting was based on Jesus' last meal (Passover) with his disciples in the upper room on the night he was to be betrayed and arrested. In the Gospel of John, chapter 13, Jesus washes the disciples' feet to show them his love. He set aside his authority as their Lord and teacher and became their servant. Jesus said:
You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them (John 13:13).
The figures shown in the painting are wearing contemporary clothing, and they are faceless. Their faces could belong to you or me. We are called to daily pick up the basin and the towel in humility and wash the feet of others as servants of Christ." |
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