John 13

"If I do not wash your feet you have no part in me." What did Jesus mean when he gave this explanation to Peter? Was this some obscure ritual of initiation?  I think so. But it is not the specific action that Jesus wants us to imitate. It is the greater principle; to be a disciple the master must become your servant. Rabbis who preceded Jesus expected each class of disciple to serve them in return for their imparted knowledge. Jesus was setting the example that when his disciples become rabbis they will teach their disciples to minister by serving them. Christian disciple makers teach through service. I think that is what Jesus was saying.
Stuart