Did Jesus Expose Himself to his Disciples?

[Satt]

John 13:4-5 (King James Version)



4He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 5After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.


Just curious. This seems strange to me. Thanks.

 

[Bear.Fr00t]

Might want to rethink that Christian faith icon.

 

[Satt]

Might want to rethink that Christian faith icon.

That's a VERY strong accusation without even an attempt at an answer. How dare you! Who are you to judge me for simply asking an honest question?

 

[AlexBP]

The towels we're familiar with today are small, so we have a misconception of what "towel" means in this passage. It basically meant a very large cloth used for washing and cleaning. It was large enough that Jesus could wrap it around his body and have a portion of several feet left to wash the disciples' feet with. The important thing in this passage is that this was a duty for slaves and servants in the homes of the wealthy. When a visitor arrived, the slave or servant would appear with a towel wrapped around themselves and wash the feet of the visitor. So Jesus was imitating the most lowly members of society.

 

[Satt]

The towels we're familiar with today are small, so we have a misconception of what "towel" means in this passage. It basically meant a very large cloth used for washing and cleaning. It was large enough that Jesus could wrap it around his body and have a portion of several feet left to wash the disciples' feet with. The important thing in this passage is that this was a duty for slaves and servants in the homes of the wealthy. When a visitor arrived, the slave or servant would appear with a towel wrapped around themselves and wash the feet of the visitor. So Jesus was imitating the most lowly members of society.

Thank you for that enlightening answer. I really didn't know that.

 

[Bear.Fr00t]

That's a VERY strong accusation without even an attempt at an answer. How dare you! Who are you to judge me for simply asking an honest question?

Ok, your a Christian so that means you've probably read Leviticus and the other moral teachings of the Bible, and I assume you believe them and try to live your life by them. Now, how on earth could you even assume (or question) the Son of God would expose himself to anyone? It makes ZERO sense to even bring it up as a valid question.

 

[zaksmummy]

Sometimes it is good to try a different translation. The Complete Jewish Bible says he removed hisouter garments, so he would have had some clothes on.

 

[zaksmummy]

Ok, your a Christian so that means you've probably read Leviticus and the other moral teachings of the Bible, and I assume you believe them and try to live your life by them. Now, how on earth could you even assume (or question) the Son of God would expose himself to anyone? It makes ZERO sense to even bring it up as a valid question.

All questions are valid and deserve an answer. Just because they make you uncomfortable doesnt mean they shouldnt be asked.

 

[leftrightleftrightleft]

Ok, your a Christian so that means you've probably read Leviticus and the other moral teachings of the Bible, and I assume you believe them and try to live your life by them. Now, how on earth could you even assume (or question) the Son of God would expose himself to anyone? It makes ZERO sense to even bring it up as a valid question.

Questioning is often a good thing and leads to greater understanding and truth. I think Satt asked an honest, inquisitive question and received an honest, straightforward answer from AlexBP. And because of this, Satt now has a greater understanding.

How do you learn anything without asking questions? Jesus always asked the disciples and Pharisees questions to make them think and question their ways of thinking; constantly challenging them to think differently.

 

[razeontherock]

How do you learn anything without asking questions? Jesus always asked the disciples and Pharisees questions to make them think and question their ways of thinking; constantly challenging them to think differently.

Good point! There's quite a few unbelievers in these parts lately that strongly think otherwise. I don't see how some of our intelligent and educated contributors who say they've read the Bible could miss it ... maybe you can get through?