1. Jesus loves his own (1-11)

When Jesus was about to leave the world and was bearing the weight of Judas' impending betrayal, his thoughts turned to his disciples. Jesus loved his disciples. Jesus got up from the dinner table and began to wash his disciples' feet. Peter objected but Jesus insisted. Their bodies would be clean by Jesus' death and resurrection. Even still, they needed a regular cleansing of sin, represented by the foot washing.

2. Jesus has set an example (12-17)

Jesus further applied his washing of the disciples' feet to their relationships with each other. 11 of the 12 were spiritually clean but their daily sins and selfishness could break the bond of unity amongst them. So just as Jesus washed their feet, they ought to wash one another's feet. Practically this meant forgiving, being gracious and serving each other. Jesus, as their Lord and Teacher, had done the same for them.