…Jesus answered him, «If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.»
—John 13:8

In Old Testament priests washed their hands and feet in the laver of bronze before they entered the Tabernacle for service. (Ex 30:17-21) In the same manner Jesus washed His disciples’ feet that they would begin their ministry. Why did He wash them feet only, but not hands as it was in Old Testament? Because the work that priests did under the Old Covenant Jesus accomplished at the cross once and for all. (Heb 10:11-12) Why then did He wash their feet? The feet speak about proclaiming the gospel. It is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace!” (Rom 10:15) and “having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” (Eph 6:15)

After Jesus washed the apostles’ feet He sent them to proclaim the good tidings: “Go therefore and make disciples …” (Mat 28:19) The Greek word matheteo, which translated here as to make disciples also means to instruct, to teach. That is why right after Jesus washed their feet He told them: “If I then, [your] Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14) He revealed Himself as the Teacher.

Before He washed Peter’s feet He told him: “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” What part did Jesus talk about? In Greak the word part is meros. Paul writes about this meros: “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” (1 Cor 12:27) The word individually is our word meros. After this Paul describes different ministries in the Church.

In other words, Jesus told Peter that if He doesn’t wash his feet, Peter couldn’t serve and proclaim the gospel of peace. So if you want to serve the Lord and preach the good news to others then let Jesus serve you first and wash your feet.