Footwashing is a sacrament of love. The Bible introduces Jesus’ washing of His disciples’ feet with these words, “Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end” (Jn 13:1). Jesus washed His disciples’ feet because they were His own, and He loved them to the end.

“Jesus’ own” refers to Jesus’ disciples, who were present at the last supper with Jesus. They were special. He had loved them from the first day He chose them. Now that He was departing from this world to go to the Father, He loved them once more with one final act of love.

While all the disciples were reclined at the dinner, Jesus got up, laid aside His garments, girded Himself with a towel, poured water into a basin. In the manner of a slave, He began to wash His disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel.

How was Jesus’ footwashing an act of love? By washing His disciples’ feet, Jesus granted each of them to have a part with Him. Through this sacrament, He endowed on them a share in His eternal life, His kingdom, and His glory. This spiritual effect constitutes the love of Jesus toward His own.

Today, the Lord Jesus has also declared to you His love when He washed your feet in the sacrament. He considers you His very own, and He has given you an everlasting share in Him. Ever feeling unloved and unwanted? Look once again at your feet—the feet that your Lord has washed—and remember how dear you are to His heart.