Arcana Coelestia # 165
165. The nakedness of which they were not ashamed means innocence. This is quite clear from what follows. When integrity and innocence left them they were then ashamed of their nakedness, and it seemed disgraceful to them, and so they hid themselves. It is additionally clear from the things represented in the world of spirits that the nakedness of which they were not ashamed means innocence. Indeed when spirits wish to exonerate themselves and prove that they are blameless they present themselves naked to witness their innocence. This is particularly clear with the innocent in heaven, who look like young children, naked, and wearing garlands round them that accord with their particular variety of innocence. But those who do not possess so much innocence appear clothed in splendid and shining clothes - you might call them brightest silk - like angels when seen from time to time by the prophets.
John 13:4-17
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arose from supper, and laid aside his outer garments. He took a towel, and wrapped a towel around his waist.
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Then he poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
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Then he came to Simon Peter. He said to him, "Lord, do you wash my feet?"
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Jesus answered him, "You don't know what I am doing now, but you will understand later."
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Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet!" Jesus answered him, "If I don't wash you, you have no part with me."
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Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!"
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Jesus said to him, "Someone who has bathed only needs to have his feet washed, but is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you."
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For he knew him who would betray him, therefore he said, "You are not all clean."
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So when he had washed their feet, put his outer garment back on, and sat down again, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you?
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You call me, 'Teacher' and 'Lord.' You say so correctly, for so I am.
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If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.
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For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.
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Most certainly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his lord, neither one who is sent greater than he who sent him.
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If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
