After supper, Jesus poured water into a basin, laid aside His garments and began to wash the feet of His disciples, John 13:5.
Jewish teachers would never ask their disciples to wash feet. Love turned these traditions upside down and dropped to His knees to wash the disciples’ feet.
“Never shall You wash my feet!” Peter said, John 13:8.
“If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me,” said Jesus., John 13:8
“Wash all of me,” responded Peter, John 13:9.
Not necessary–Peter had already accepted Jesus as His Lord and was clean, but he had walked the dirty streets and needed cleansing from his walk in the world. I wonder if Peter thought of his most recent sins as Jesus washed his grimy feet.
I imagine time stopped and 24 eyes fixated on Jesus’ hands as He slowly washed and dried each foot. They watched Jesus gently placing clean feet on the floor and looking up into the eyes of the disciple whose feet He just washed.
Jesus comes to Judas, takes the feet of the one who would betray Him in just a few hours, and washes them. I wonder if Jesus was thinking of the betrayal kiss. Perhaps their eyes met, and Judas looked away.
When Jesus had washed everyone’s feet, He put on His garments and joined them at the table.
Do you know what I’ve done? … If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also out to wash one another’s feet. John 13:12-14
An example to follow.
Love illustrated.
Love in action.
Cleansing love.
Love laid aside His garment of glory in heaven
Love walked this earth showing The Way
Love touched, healed, and revealed
Love commanded nature, multiplied provisions, and raised the dead
Love laid aside His garments to wash dirty feet
Love laid aside His garments to allow others to beat Him
Love laid aside His power to be nailed to the cross
Love watched soldiers cast lots for His tunic
Love gave His mother to a disciple
Love gave salvation to a thief beside Him
Love prayed for those who nailed Him to the cross
Love took the sin of the world upon Himself
Love paid the price of all sin
Love died for you and me
Love was buried in a borrowed tomb
Love rose from the dead three days later
Love took up His garment of glory in heaven
Love sits at the right hand of God
Love speaks to the Father on behalf of you and me
Love is the way, the truth, and the life!
Love is Jesus!
My prayer
Our Father in heaven, thank You for sending Your dear Son into the world to reveal the depth of Your love for us, so that we can be cleansed of our sins and have peace and fellowship with You forever. This world is in turmoil, Lord. We cry out to You. Save, Lord. Reveal Yourself to millions who do not know You. Give Your followers the wisdom, the courage, and the love for others that will compel them to spread the Good News that You offer the free gift of salvation. Hosanna in the highest! In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray, Amen.
Related Links:
3 Lessons from Jesus Washing His Disciples’ Feet
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