Striking Heels, Washing Feet: A Powerful Contrast
While Satan Was Busy Striking Heels, Jesus Was Busy Washing Them
Have you ever read a passage over and over, only for it to suddenly hit you in a new way? That happened to me recently as I revisited John 13.
A Striking Contrast
In this chapter, Jesus, fully aware that His betrayal is imminent, takes the humble position of a servant and washes His disciples’ feet—including Judas’, the very one who would betray Him. This profound act of humility and love stands in stark contrast to the evil intentions of the enemy, working through Judas’ betrayal.
Just consider what Jesus is facing in this chapter:
Verse 1: He faces death.
Verse 2: Betrayal.
Verse 8: Misunderstanding.
Verse 18: Betrayal again.
Verse 36: Isolation.
Verse 38: Denial.
And, of course, abandonment during His arrest in the garden.
The Betrayal and the Prophecy
In John 13:18, Jesus says:
"I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled: He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me."
Here, Jesus references Psalm 41:9: "Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me."
This is a clear reference to Judas, His close friend, who would betray Him. Yet, despite knowing what was coming, Jesus doesn’t treat Judas as the true enemy.
Connecting to Genesis 3:15
As I reflected on this, Genesis 3:15 came to mind:
"I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel."
This verse, known as the protoevangelium—the first proclamation of the Gospel—points to Jesus’ ultimate victory over Satan. And then it hit me—while Satan was busy striking heels, Jesus was busy washing them.
I was moved to tears at this realization.
A Radical Act of Love
Jesus washed the feet of the very one who would betray Him. As He prepared to fulfill the prophecy found in Genesis 3, He paused to serve. He washed feet. And don’t miss this: He washed even Judas’ feet.
The Power of Humility
So, what does this mean for us? It means that we serve a Savior who humbled Himself to wash feet and die on the cross. It means we have the power to return hurt with love. In a world that often responds to hurt with more hurt, this message is more powerful than ever.
