word. We can also say that even today Jesus’ followers remain cleansed by the words of Jesus proclaimed in the Church’s proclamation and by his blood poured out on the cross. However, they need continuous cleansing by Jesus’ word (17:17) and Spirit (7:38–39) so that they might remain united in his love.30 Thus, the ‘first interpretation’ of Jesus’ foot-washing makes it clear that no one can exercise servanthood without becoming clean first by Jesus’ words and redemptive work, and allowing him to