John 13:3-5 - Knowing that the Father had given Him all things

13:3,4

“Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God ...”. Jesus was about to humble Himself, and in such a way that would shock and offend the disciples. In the world power, status and authority is so often seen as a means of getting our own way, or at least of meaning we are better than others, and above them in some way or other. In the Kingdom things work in exactly the opposite direction. Jesus knew who He was and where He was going. His position was infinitely greater than any position that we have. He was going to have all power and authority. Because of this He was ready to do the most menial of tasks.

13:5

Jesus had prepared Himself to wash the disciples' feet. Now the washing of feet was the most menial of tasks. He was also about to wash the feet of Judas, the one who would betray Him. Feet would get very dirty in the conditions of the time, and the task was reserved for the lowest of the low. Sometimes even Jewish slaves weren’t allowed to do the task, this being reserved for Gentile slaves or women!