Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet
"It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him,and that was why he said not every one was clean.
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." John 13:1-17
Continuing with our daily devotions for Resurrection Week, today we read about the last supper and other occurences leading up to Resurrection Sunday.
All the gospel writers record the last supper but for today, we read the very short mention by the apostle who Jesus loved -- John.
John did not say much about their last meal with Jesus but instead he focused more on what Jesus did for them that fateful night -- the very last night Jesus was going to have dinner with them, and what He told them regarding many things.
Foot Washing
And this was Jesus humbling Himself by taking up the lowliest service typically done by the lowliest of servants in their time. And He did it to His disciples. He showed them firsthand what He came down to earth for -- to be the lowest of servants, and not to be a King to be served.
Humility
Now, by writing this narrative, John is actually being humble enough to take a dig at himself and his brother James. This after they debated, as to who is the greatest among themselves. And also after he and his brother James asked Jesus to allow them to sit one on His right and the other on His left.
John also showed us that Jesus revealed to them that He is not about titles or positions of glory and that followers are not greater than their leader. Also He showed them that He is only about following the will of His Father in heaven.
We, His followers are to do the same.
Next: Good Friday
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