Tag: wash feet
Demonstration of love
Scripture reading for April 23: John 13
“Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside His outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around His waist. Then He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.” John 13:1-5
As Jesus Christ came to the final hours of His time on earth, He wanted to impress on His disciples His love for them and His command to love others by selfless serving. Jesus knew this was the final hour and He would soon depart and leave them. He knew that one of His disciples, Judas, had already betrayed Him for money. As an example to them all, Jesus took off His outer garments and put a towel around his waist and began to wash the feet of His disciples. This was not His place or responsibility according to the tradition of the Jews. This job belonged to the lowest of servants or slaves.
When we think deeply about this story, we realize that Jesus washed the feet of Judas as well that night and offered Judas mercy and intercession in this act. He announced shortly after, during the Passover meal, that one of His disciples would betray Him. This troubled His disciples and caused them to examine themselves and one, John, asked, “Lord, who is it?” (John 13:25) In response, Jesus said it was the one to whom He gave a morsel of bread dipped in the cup. He gave it to Judas. It was at this point that Satan entered Judas and he left to complete the betrayal.
This story is often used at Holy Communion, a meal of remembrance and thanksgiving, to help us as followers of Jesus Christ to examine ourselves and our own hearts. Are we humbly serving others and following Jesus, who laid down His body and blood for us? Do we harbor any betrayal of our Lord?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your demonstrated love for Your disciples and people. As I remember Jesus’ sacrificial love and service for me, a sinner, I am thankful and humbled. Deliver me from deception and the delusion of Satan. Use me to wash others feet or serve them as Jesus demonstrated. Amen.
A friend’s betrayal!
Scripture reading for April 23rd: 2nd Samuel 17-20, John 13
Key Scriptures: John 13:14-18 “If I then, your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate My bread has lifted his heel against me.'”
At the Last Supper, Jesus washed the feet of each of His disciples to set an example for them of servant leadership. He warned them that one of them would betray Him, as Scripture declared. They each began to examine themselves as to their motives and hearts. One would betray and take his own life.
2nd Samuel 17:23 “When Ahithophel (betrayer of King David) saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey and went off home to his own city. He set his house in order and hanged himself, and he died and was buried in the tomb of his fathers.”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to examine my heart today and repent of anything that would betray You. May I follow Your example of serving and washing the feet of other followers. Amen.