John 13:4 –
The disciples did not always understand what or why Jesus/Yeshua was doing or saying certain things. He also said: if you do not understand natural things how will you understand heavenly spiritual concepts John 3:12 and 1 Corinthians 2:14
In this statement in John 13 we are familiar with the usual interpretation of washing feet as being the action of humility and of submission verse12.
And another verse 16, KJV says: Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. (Here we get our word apostle as it means, a sent one.)
Everything Messiah said and did had significance because He did not do anything except He heard it from His Heavenly Father.
Historically it was the local custom to offer water and to wash guests feet.
We read in
Luke 7:44 Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
It was not a strange thing to do or have done to you. They walked everywhere and didn’t have modern day footwear.
The roads were dusty and hot and it is a refreshing thing to have ones feet washed clean.
He was showing the humility even as their Lord and Rabbi that we should minister to one another’s needs but also showing that the Lord was not too above them in any kind of pride to not be able to be as a servant doing lowly tasks.
So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you. John 13:14-15
It is a picture of Messiah as a servant, and His call to His followers to also be servants for His people to serve each other in the same spirit that Messiah served His disciples.
However this was not the only significance of His actions and words…
So why else did Jesus/Yeshua wash their feet?
It was as a proclamation of what He was doing for them and was going to do for them – He was going to take away their sin…He was going to bear their sin! When He died on the cross/tree as the sinless lamb of God.
We all know that if we clean someone’s dirty feet, we are going to get dirty too, some of the dirt is going to be transferred and get on us! That is exactly what happened to Jesus/Yeshua on the cross – the dirt of our sin was removed from us and covered Him.
Some Christian denominations emphasize salvation and justification by grace, through faith NOT by works. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Sometimes, with that over emphasis on salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, we might forget that it was the act /the work, that brought salvation.
It was the punishment that brought us peace/shalom.
It was actually a work…it was in fact THE WORK of all works. prophesied to happen from genesis.
The work of the cross/Tav.
What Messiah did on the cross – suffering physically; plus He also absorbed the wrath of God for all of humanities sins. It was and is the most labor-intensive action/work, in the entire history of creation. As such it is the very definition of work, and foot-washing is an illustration; and in its own way is a proclamation of the good news of the gospel – Jesus Christ/Yeshua HaMashiach and Him crucified. The picture of all our dirt, our sin and filth laid on Him.
Fulfilled from Isaiah 53:3-7 prophecy
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering who knew what sickness was.
He was like someone people turned away from; He was despised, and we didn’t value Him. Yet He Himself bore our sicknesses, and He carried our pains; but we in turn regarded Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on Him, and we are healed by His wounds. We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the Lord has punished Him for the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth.
It is a picture of what Jesus/Yeshua did for His people.
So much symbolism! and even some that we may have missed.
In John 13 in the Greek,
The towel around His WAIST was a lention
λέντιον, ου, τό
(len’-tee-on)
Definition: a linen cloth, a towel
Usage: a towel, apron, coarse cloth
A linen cloth – linen is representing righteousness. Is. 11:5
Righteousness shall be the belt of his WAIST,
and faithfulness the belt of his loins.
The linen that was around His waist, the same linen that He wiped away the dirt from His disciples feet was the same linen used for the garment that the High Priest wore to present the sacrifice on Yom Kippur, the one day a year when he went to place blood on the kaporet/covering/wiping away for the sins of the people.
Hebrew: הַכַּפֹּֽרֶת ha-kappōreṯ or mercy seat was the gold lid placed on the Ark of the Covenant, with two cherubim beaten out of the ends to cover and create the space into which Gods presence appeared. The word derives from the Hebrew root כ.פ.ר, and these can divided into two approaches: Lid or Cover— In its qal form, כ.פ.ר means “to cover” (as in Gen 6:14), [8] and thus can be simply translated as “cover” or “lid.” Consider also the fact that the ark is spoken of as a throne has led to the translation of kapporet as “mercy seat.” Is this translation correct as Psalm 99:1 and 1 Samuel 4:4 say literally that the Lord “sits the cherubim,” which must be understood as “sits on or above the cherubim”?
This is THE PASSION of Jesus/Yeshua, in other words, the ultimate High Priestly WORK of presenting blood upon the Ark/Altar/Heavenly Kapporet of God. Interesting note: the word used in the Septuagint to translate the Hebrew word kapporet/cover, is the Greek word hilasterios (ἱλαστ ή ριος).
We may already have known these reasons, however, there is yet another layer of meaning connected to this occasion.
Why did Peter say wash my hands and head also?
For this answer we must travel back once again into Torah. We have to remember that they were very familiar with all of the Torah and the contents of the Old Testament scrolls.
As with other scripture there are levels of understanding and meaning and each of them is relevant and applicable.
We do ourselves a disservice when we neglect or worst ignore the Old Covenant (/Testament/Tenach/Torah/Prophets /Writings). For then we miss the roots and foundation for Jesus/Yeshua fulfilling God’s plan written clearly in His word/the Scriptures for us. These scrolls of the scriptures are the foundations of Gods plan of the ages. They were written so we have a reference to be our guide.
It is over 2000 years since Jesus/Yeshua, the Door/Dalet ushered in the age of grace and the age has almost run its course; and just as in Genesis 7:16, God shut the door to the ark of Noah, the dalet/door of grace will also close. As in the days of Noah in Matthew 24:39. Let’s make sure we are on the right side of the Dalet.
The word Scriptures here refers to the Jewish Scriptures, what we call the Old Testament, which is another word for Old Covenant. We call it the Old Testament, or Old Covenant, because we believe that the Jewish Messiah has come—namely, Jesus/Yeshua—and by His death and resurrection has inaugurated a New Testament, that is, a re-newed covenant.
ie. A Ketubah (Hebrew: כְּתוּבָּה) is a Jewish marriage contract or marriage agreement/ covenant.The Ketubah is the marriage contract between the bride and the groom at the Jewish wedding.
It outlines the grooms responsibility to the bride! Yeshua/Jesus to His ecclesia/body/us!
In Israel today, the ketubah, whose name derives from the Aramaic and Hebrew root “katav,” which means “to write,” is binding under civil, as well as religious, law.
We are betrothed/engaged to Him we in relationship with Him as His כלה /Kallah/Bride. All we are waiting for is the Bridegroom/Messiah coming for His Bride/Us/Ecclesia/Called out Ones/His Body of Believers.
The disciples were also very familiar with the layout of the Temple and all the necessary sacrifices required to pay the price for sin. Which in reality is how a sinner was back then able to approach a Holy sinless God. The innocent life pays for the sin and for the sinner today of course, Messiah the sinless lamb/son of God.
These offerings are the burnt offering, the grain offering, the peace offering, the sin offering, and the guilt offering. Three of these offerings relate in particular to sin and its effects. They highlight the different ways in which sin taints the worshipper, the place of worship, and the community.
A guilt offering (Hebrew: אשם, romanized: ’āšām, lit. ‘guilt, trespass’; plural ashamot), also referred to in English as a trespass offering (KJV, 1611)
To take all of this situation into context, we have to remember that this was happening at Passover/Pesach. He knew that this meal was the last opportunity to minister to His disciples before His death and resurrection, John 13:1;
and with Judas still there until 13:27, when he leaves; He spoke without revealing all that was about to be fulfilled.
Jesus/Yeshua knew that He had come to fulfill all the Torah/ Law, the prophets and Writings, which is what He said to them later on the road to Emmaus Luke 24:13-35.
The cross was a mystery and until He died and was resurrected it was not fully understood. The Apocalypse/revealing of the cross sent shock waves throughout the spiritual realm.
This is one of the reasons Our heavenly Father does not always tell all the details or the timing of His plans and purposes before hand.
Mark 4:11 Mystery of the kingdom of God, the mysteries were revealed in the parables and were for those with ears to hear.
Specifically too this is surely why He said no man knows the day nor the hour of His return.
Already He had said He was the Way, Truth and Life; and during the Pesach/Passover Seder meal He was confirming He was the Passover Lamb with His body and blood, (unleavened bread, without sin and wine.) Remember John had declared Him to be the Lamb of God.
The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29
All He came to fulfill was prophesied in the Tenach /Torah;(Law, Prophets and Writings).
And he said to them, These are the words which I spoke to you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Luke 24:44
John 5:39 The Scriptures tell about me, You study the Scriptures, because you think that in them you will find eternal life. And these very Scriptures speak about me! You pore over the Scriptures because you think you have eternal life in them, yet they testify about Me.
He clearly said I have come to fulfill not to destroy Matt. 5:17-19
Recall: Fulfilling the Torah was the task of a first century rabbi.
The technical term for interpreting the Scripture so it would be obeyed correctly was, fulfill.
To interpret Scripture incorrectly, so it would not be obeyed as God intended, was to destroy the Torah.
Gods’ word is always line upon line, precept upon precept He adds to, building upon His promises.
Is 28:10 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. 10For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: 11For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.
Everything that happened was fulfilling the types and shadows of Messiah and the theme of blood and water runs throughout the whole Bible.
That is a huge subject but for this post we will just concentrate on the two questions asked.
So why did Jesus/Yeshua wash their feet?
Why did Peter say wash my hands and head also in reference to the post title? What I am doing you do you not know now but you will know later.
Again with reference to Torah, specifically, (Exodus 25-27); we have to look at and understand the reason for, and all the symbolic details of, the Mishkan/Tabernacle and the Ketubah/Covenant.
The key to the Mishkan/Tabernacle is Messiah.
It symbolized the dwelling place/throne/presence of God in the midst of His people.
As a type of Jesus/Yeshua, it symbolized the meeting between God and man and
(Heb. 9:21-24; 2 Cor. 5:19; Col. 2:9; Heb. 10:5; Rev. 21:3; Jn. 1:14 2:13-22).
The reconciliation between God and Humanity.
The pattern of the Tabernacle in the wilderness was also reflected in both the first and second temples in Jerusalem and reveals that Messiah Jesus/Yeshua is the minister of the sanctuary, our High Priest and the true Tabernacle for He is the Way the Truth and the Life.
In Acts 9:2 The WAY refers to someone who is totally committed to God. First used in Gen. 18:19. Keep the Way of the Lord, in reference to a walk with the lord A WAY of life.
Used more than 50x in the Hebrew scriptures and
12x in the Brit Hadasha (re-new-ed covenant.)
God Himself tells us,” This is the WAY walk in it”. Walking in love/truth is the Way to spiritual maturity and then the kingdom of God will be established in us. When Jesus/Yeshua said these words, He was referencing The Temple. The Sanctuary is part of the Temple and also of the Tabernacle that was set apart for the Lord.
In the diagram below…there is far more depth to this pattern which is only touched on here as connected to the Laver.
When Yeshua/Jesus spoke these words, He was painting a picture of HIMSELF. This is what He was trying to convey to them that although this was the Mishkan/Temple WAY to approach God they had been used to and they knew there is ONLY ONE WAY to enter the HOLY of HOLIES and that is through the 3 entrances.
He is the embodiment of these 3 entrances.
It is only by following HIM that we may see the Father (God).
The Temple had an OUTER COURT where sinners, even heathens were allowed and welcome, the first gateway or door,
(I AM the DOOR).
The Laver was to see one’s reflection and self cleanse.
The INNER COURT, which had the altar where people would deal with sin. It was a Holy Place and held the Menorah/7 Branched Golden Lampstand, the Table of the Bread of the Presence/Showbread and the Incense Altar. This is where the Priests ministered daily to the Lord.
Holy of Holies. – Holy Place – Outer Court
To enter the Holy Place, the Priest needed to be sanctified first.
Any Priest entering the Holy Place who had not already dealt with sin, would have been struck dead at the doorway. (Ex 28:42-43)
The Laver was located in the Outer courtyard (Ex. 40:6-7).
The courtyard surrounded the tabernacle (Ex. 40:8).
This was the bronze laver and it was filled with water, and its base was made from the women’s mirrors of highly polished bronze (Ex. 38:8). This is a great picture of a person who trusts Jesus/Yeshua for the forgiveness of sins.
The Priest needed to be sanctified first
by washing in the water of the Laver.
The Laver symbolizes our cleansing from sin – our holiness.
Once we are forgiven of our sins, God starts changing us to make us truly holy as He is holy (Phil. 2:12-13; 1 Pet. 1:16).
Water is symbolic of two concepts in scripture:
First, His Holy Spirit/Ruach HaKodesh, Who comes into our lives, convicts us of sin (John 16:8) and starts living in us to change us (John 7:37-39); and
Secondly the Word of God, which reveals to us our sin (John 15:3) and is useful for reproof, conviction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
While the mirror at the bottom reminds us that we will still see our true sinful self (Rom. 7:24), it is also comforting because the symbolism reminds us that God knows in this life we are not yet perfect. We have not lost our salvation; we are just not yet free from sin in this life.
The bronze basin/ the bronze laver /kiyyor ha nechoset; used by the priests as the place of cleansing prior to entering the holy of holies to take the sacrificial blood and place it on the altar the kaporet/the lid of the ark as the sacrifice for sin of the people and also during their daily service in the Mishkan. (Remember only the high priest could go into the holy of holies once a year, to take the blood of the sinless sacrifice of the lamb without spot or blemish.)
The bronze basin stood near to the altar of sacrifice in the courtyard (Jesus/Yeshua being the sacrifice), and the priest would wash their hands and feet before ascending the altar to perform a sacrifice.
He was required to only wash hands and feet, the rest of the body being covered by the linen/righteousness the robes of office conferred.
These robes are now the robes of righteousness that we are clothed in as garments of salvation that all wedding guests must be wearing.
2 Cor. 5:21 Messiah Jesus/Yeshua, took all our sin and guilt; we received His perfect righteousness, in right standing … We stand before a Holy God dressed in robes of righteousness without spot or wrinkle.
Conclusion coming soon in part 2….
Meanwhile for those who have never been able to travel to Israel and with reference to the scriptures in Luke 17:28-30
Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.
Below is a link to an amazing video to show the reality of the scriptures!
Shalom, shalom, mishpachah!
You are loved and appreciated and prayed for daily.
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in the Late Hebrew script.
So again in the Hebrew thought, we now understand that the technical term for interpreting the Scripture so it would be obeyed correctly was,
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