“So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set
down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me
Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord
and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For
I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily,
verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he
that is sent greater than he that sent him.” (John 13:12-16 KJV)
Don’t you think it is interesting that Jesus taught his disciples, even
though it was his last night with them? In a rented room somewhere in 1st
century Jerusalem, Jesus finished the Passover meal with his disciples, then
poured water in a basin and began washing their feet as they looked on in
shocked silence.
though it was his last night with them? In a rented room somewhere in 1st
century Jerusalem, Jesus finished the Passover meal with his disciples, then
poured water in a basin and began washing their feet as they looked on in
shocked silence.
Peter’s reaction (v.8) shows the Twelve didn’t understand what Jesus had
done. Yet, when Jesus said, “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me”
Peter decided his relationship with Jesus was more important than getting his
feet washed. He wanted a relationship with Jesus no matter what.
done. Yet, when Jesus said, “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me”
Peter decided his relationship with Jesus was more important than getting his
feet washed. He wanted a relationship with Jesus no matter what.
After the last disciple’s feet are washed,
Jesus returned to his seat and explained his actions. He who is Lord had just
completed the work of a servant to those who were servants. They called him
Master, yet he had served them like a servant.
Jesus returned to his seat and explained his actions. He who is Lord had just
completed the work of a servant to those who were servants. They called him
Master, yet he had served them like a servant.
What the Lord’s point? If the Lord and Master
humbled himself to serve the servants by washing their feet; the servants ought
to humble themselves and serve one another in every way possible. He gave an
example that we should do as he has done.
humbled himself to serve the servants by washing their feet; the servants ought
to humble themselves and serve one another in every way possible. He gave an
example that we should do as he has done.
Dear Father, thank you for this example of a
servant. Empower us with the humility to serve as Christ served. This I pray in
the name of Jesus. AMEN
servant. Empower us with the humility to serve as Christ served. This I pray in
the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be strong and courageous today as a servant,