As we hear on Maundy Thursday in Holy Week when we reenact the washing, washing feet was a menial, dirty job performed by house servants. Hours before he would die on the cross, Jesus chose this most holy, intimate and special moment with his close friends to start pouring water over their dirty feet. It would have like a father of the bride choosing the moment of the dance with his daughter at the wedding reception, to get up and leave the dance floor to start washing dishes back in the kitchen. Of course, the disciples, and you and I for that matter, can not rely on time travel to make connections. We have something else.
Epiphanies are breakthrough moments.
The Bible is full of epiphany stories. The burning bush certainly got Moses attention. There was another one in days after the resurrection. The disciples eyes were opened by a mysterious stranger on the road to Emmaus by the way in which he took break and broke it during the meal. Our faith is about making connections.