Mission as Integrated Witness: A Missional Reading of the Foot-Washing Narrative (John 13:1-38)

This study aims to read Jesuss foot washing narrative missionally (John 13:1-38). A missional reading is identical to a missional hermeneutics based on the literary-theological interpretation of the text. John uses sending language and formulae and the frame of as . . . so . . . throughout the whole Gospel which clarifies Jesuss and his disciples mission as integrated witness. In this literary context the foot washing narrative signifies the integrated witness of Jesus and the disciples. The narrative consists of two parts: one Jesuss symbolic action for his death and the other for its interpretation for the disciple community. Jesuss death as his unique mission results in purifying both his disciples and the world so that they might dwell in the holy union with the triune God. The disciples are sent into the world. Just as Jesus did so must they proclaim Jesus and his teachings. Also they should bear witness to him by living Jesuss life-pattern of self-giving sacrificial love and humble service. Their verbal proclamation as evangelism and life-witness cannot be separated to testify to Jesus and their identity. Finally todays Christians specifically Evangelicals are invited to participate in the Johannine mission as the integrated witness of evangelism and life-witness.