Guided Meditation: Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet

by Lori Wilson

Begin by finding a comfortable position. Close your eyes gently and take three deep, centering breaths. Allow your body to settle and your mind to quiet.

Entering the Scene

Imagine yourself in the upper room in Jerusalem. The evening air is warm, and oil lamps cast a soft, golden glow across the stone walls. You can smell the unleavened bread, the wine, and catch the distant sounds of the Passover celebration throughout the city.

You are gathered with Jesus and the other disciples around a low table. There's an anticipation in the air—this feels like a sacred moment, though none of you quite understand why yet.

Notice the dust on your feet, the weariness in your legs from walking the dusty roads. In this culture, washing feet is the work of servants, the most humble task of hospitality.

The Unexpected Act

Watch now as Jesus rises from the table. See the surprise on the faces around you as he removes his outer garment and wraps a towel around his waist. Your Teacher, your Rabbi, your Lord—taking the position of a servant.

He pours water into a basin. The sound of water is gentle, peaceful. Jesus kneels—the Son of God on his knees before his disciples.

What do you feel as you witness this? Confusion? Discomfort? Love? Let whatever arises be present without judgment.

Peter's Resistance

Notice Peter's reaction—his shock, his protest: "Lord, you are not going to wash my feet, ever!" Feel the wrestling in your own heart. How difficult it is to receive such humble love. How do we resist being served when we're meant to be the ones serving?

Listen to Jesus' gentle but firm response: "If I don’t wash you, you can’t be a part of what I’m doing." What does this mean for you? What in your life needs washing? What needs to be cleansed not by your own effort, but by receiving Christ's love?

Your Turn

Now Jesus approaches you. See his eyes—full of love, completely present to you in this moment. He kneels before you, this man who could command legions of angels.

Feel the warm water as he gently takes your foot in his hands. Notice the tenderness, the care. This isn't duty—this is love made visible.

What is Jesus washing away as he tends to you? Your shame? Your unworthiness? Your need to earn love through performance? Your resistance to being loved completely?

Allow yourself to receive this gift. Rest in the profound acceptance, the unconditional love being offered.

The Teaching

As Jesus finishes and returns to the table, hear his words: "Do you understand what I have done for you? I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."

Let this sink in deeply. The willingness to serve. The choice to love in the most humble, practical ways.

Reflection

Take a moment to consider:

• Who in your life needs this kind of humble service?

• Where are you called to kneel in love?

• How can you wash feet—literally or figuratively—in your daily life?

• What would it look like to love with this kind of radical humility?

Integration

As you prepare to return to your day, carry with you both the memory of being loved so completely and the calling to love others in the same way.

Feel your feet on the ground—clean, blessed, ready to walk in the way of Jesus.

Know that you are beloved beyond measure, and that this love empowers you to love others with the same selfless grace.

Take three deep breaths and gently open your eyes when you're ready.

"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." - John 13:14-15