NOTES for Joh 13:5-6
In our day, the washing of feet in some churches and communities often turns into something like a mystery play symbolizing humility and service. Yet in Gospel times there was nothing mysterious or unusual about it. In Palestine, people then wore open footwear on bare feet, and at table they did not sit but reclined on a special kind of couch; in that case washing one's feet was as necessary as washing one's hands. Most often a slave assigned to this task washed the guests' feet, and if there was no such slave, the guests did it themselves: in the courtyard, by the entrance, vessels of water intended for this purpose usually stood there. Sometimes, as a sign of special respect for an honored guest, the host of the house himself might help such a guest wash his feet. This work was considered one of the least honorable, though it was absolutely necessary.
And now, during the Last Supper, or more precisely before it began, Jesus Himself takes it upon Himself. Such behavior was at the very least unusual: of all people, Jesus was not supposed to wash the guests' feet. But He does it, giving an example to His disciples. The point here is not some special self-abasement: He only wants to make clear to the apostles what true service is, when one does what needs to be done for God and for one's neighbors without thinking about or caring for one's own status and prestige.
It is no accident that Jesus decisively stops Peter's attempt to turn ordinary footwashing into a kind of ritual washing: when the apostle asks his Teacher to wash not only his feet but also his hands and head, He refuses, saying that there is no need for such washing. The apostles have to accept that their Teacher takes upon Himself the work of a slave, dirty and unprestigious work. Meanwhile, the Teacher gives them an example of true love and true humility.