Jesus Christ instituted the Passover ceremony, which includes the foot washing, to teach His disciples a lesson in humility, service, sacrifice, and forgiveness. On the night before His death, He demonstrated this by washing His disciples' feet, an act typically performed by the lowest servant. This act symbolized His purpose of coming to earth to serve all of mankind. Christ's willingness to take on the role of a servant, even to the point of washing the feet of Judas, who would betray Him, underscores the importance of humility and forgiveness. Jesus emphasized that to be part of God's Kingdom, one must be willing to humble themselves and serve others, reflecting an everyday attitude of service and self-sacrifice.

Jesus Christ exemplifies the role of a servant, demonstrating profound humility and service during the Passover. On the evening of Nisan 14, during the Last Supper, Jesus washed His disciples' feet, taking on the role of the lowest servant by performing this menial task. This act was not merely a custom of the time but a powerful lesson in humility, aimed at correcting the disciples' disputes over greatness by showing that the greatest among them should serve as the least. The attitude Jesus displayed in washing His disciples' feet mirrors the mindset that led Him to relinquish divine power and glory to become a man, serving even His own servants. This humility is a model for all, teaching that true greatness lies in serving others, no matter the task. Jesus insisted on washing Peter's feet to illustrate the need for ongoing renewal, akin to a recommitment to a life of service and humility. Footwashing, as practiced by Jesus, serves as a yearly reminder of this commitment during the Passover service, symbolizing a cleansing from the daily accumulation of life's challenges. Jesus made it clear that this ritual is a commanded act for His followers, an object lesson to be lived out in everyday actions by serving others as He did. Furthermore, there is a blessing attached to this act of service, promising favor and satisfaction to those who follow this way of life.

In the thirteenth chapter of his gospel, the apostle John records a footwashing ceremony that Christ performed on the last night of His life, revealing a profound aspect of His character as a servant. Jesus, identified as Teacher and Lord, washed His disciples' feet, a task typically reserved for the lowest servant in a household, demonstrating that true greatness lies in service. He instructs in John 13:13-15, "You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you." He further emphasizes that a servant is not greater than his master, reflecting His own submissive approach to His relationship with God the Father. Christ's actions on that Passover evening, as noted in Luke's account, underscore His role as a servant among His disciples, despite being their Governor and Elder Brother. He declares, "Yet I am among you as the One who serves," making it clear that He would not expect anything from them that He was not willing to do Himself. This act of service is presented as the essence of godly leadership. Moreover, Jesus connects the washing of feet to forgiveness and cleansing, as seen in His interaction with Peter in John 13:6-10. When Peter resists, Christ insists that without this washing, Peter would have no part with Him, indicating the necessity of being made clean to remain in relationship with Him. Jesus explains that one who is bathed needs only to wash his feet to be completely clean again, highlighting the ongoing need for cleansing as one walks through life. Christ also extends this lesson to His followers in John 13:14, stating, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet." This act symbolizes not only humility but also the forgiveness of sins among brethren, mirroring the forgiveness they receive from God. Finally, in John 13:17, Jesus concludes, "If you know these things, happy are you if you do them," emphasizing that applying this teaching of service and forgiveness brings true happiness and releases one from the burdens of grudges and animosity.