When the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments and began to wash the disciples’ feet.

John 13:2-5 ESV, edited

I love the prelude to Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. John is writing this with hindsight. They didn’t see it that night, but John did when he wrote this. He points out how Judas already had accepted in his heart Satan’s plan. Jesus knew Judas would betray Him as He washed his feet. That’s how God treats His enemies. Remember that if you are ever struggling with things like God commanding everyone devoted to destruction. There’s love behind the command. God’s love is always there.

Jesus also knew that night of His rightful place of ultimate power and authority. In that knowledge, he takes the place of a servant. This is your humble king. I’ve been looking at the word meekness this year. The definition I landed on that we could apply to ourselves that also fit Christ is being totally un-reliant on self and totally reliant on God, ie. empty of self but full of God. Jesus lets go of His rights in order to serve the Father, which looked like serving others in humble love.