In John we read (13:3,5), "Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God...began to wash the disciples' feet," a deed of mutual love and helpfulness. Evidently to Peter, who refused at first to permit his Master to perform this apparently menial task, this act denoted more or less servility. But Jesus was not only teaching his disciples a lesson of service to others, he was also awakening them to discern their true relationship to God. When Peter grasped the import of this instruction he was willing that his Master wash not only his feet, but his hands and his head also.
Knowing so definitely his oneness, or unity, with and inseparability from the Father, knowing his immortal sovereignty as the Son of God, Jesus performed his task lovingly, patiently, and with serenity. In no sense was he servile or menial. He commanded his disciples to follow his example that they too might serve their fellow men in humility as set forth by him, might understand themselves and all men as being in reality sons of God and as coming from God.
At-one-ment with God was the keynote of being in the Master's teaching and practice. He said (John 10:30). "I and my Father are one," and John also records that Jesus prayed to be glorified "with the glory which I had with thee before the world was" (17:5). The word keynote is defined as "the fundamental fact or idea." Just as the fundamental fact of his oneness with God permeated his teaching, just so it constituted his spiritual healing power. This power he bestowed on his disciples, the power to heal "all manner of sickness and all manner of disease" (Matt. 10:1).
