Shortly before His death, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:3-5). Initially, Peter objected (John 13:6); yet Jesus explained that this needed to be done, even if Peter did not understand the reason at the time (John 13:7-10).
Immediately after this, Jesus explained why He washed their feet: “You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you” (John 13:13-15).
The lesson here was about more than foot-washing. Jesus was teaching His disciples that they were to be humble with their brethren and seek to serve them. He would state it differently later in the chapter: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34).
Jesus showed the perfect example of humble service and love. However, it is significant that Judas – the one who would betray Him – had not yet left the group when Jesus washed their feet (John 13:30). Furthermore, Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray Him (John 13:11); yet He treated him the same way He treated the others. This was an example to them and to us.
So remember that Jesus washed Judas’ feet. He showed kindness, even though it would not be returned back to Him. We must show love to our brethren – even if we know it will not be reciprocated – because we are following the example of Jesus.