Scripture: “After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.” – John 13:5
Examination: Jesus and His disciples are together in the upper room preparing to celebrate the Passover. Jesus begins to teach His followers the meaning of being a servant by washing their feet. Just prior to instituting the new covenant, Jesus sends Judas, whom He knows will betray Him, to do what he needs to do.
Application: After entering Jerusalem on what is now known as Palm Sunday, Jesus celebrated the Passover meal with his disciples for the final time. As they sat together, Jesus took a towel, wrapped it around himself and began to wash the feet of the disciples. This was a profound act of humility as it was often the servant who would wash the feet of the master or his guests. Instead, it is the Son of God who is washing the feet of those who chose to follow Him.
One by one, Jesus knelt before each disciple and lovingly washed the dirt and dust from their feet. He moved to each of his disciples at the table… even Judas… the one He knew would betray him. Jesus was fully aware that Judas would sell him out for thirty pieces of silver, yet He still washed his feet.
John 13:11 states, “For he knew who should betray him;” As Jesus sat at the table, He knew Judas’ betrayal would lead to His arrest and ultimately send Him to the cross, yet He still washed his feet.
Later, Jesus would quietly tell Judas to attend to the task that was before him. John 13:27 records Jesus’ words to him, “That thou doest, do quickly.” The feet that the Son of God had recently washed now hastily walked to the chief priests and Pharisees to betray the location of Jesus and facilitate His arrest.
Jesus knew, but He still washed his feet.
John 18:3 states, “Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.” Judas returned with an armed mob to take Jesus into custody. Whatever his reason was for doing this, the bottom line was he chose to betray his Master.
Jesus knew his reasons, but He still washed his feet.
Jesus loves each of us with an everlasting love. Nothing changes that. Nothing we do can make Jesus “unlove” us. We can turn our backs on Him; we can deny Him; we can live as though He doesn’t exist. It doesn’t matter.
Jesus would still wash our feet because nothing… absolutely nothing… will ever separate us from His love. Romans 8:38-39 states, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Jesus will always wash our feet.
Memory Verse: “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” – Jeremiah 31:3
Stretching your thoughts:
1. Why is it difficult for people to believe that God’s love will never change for them?
2. What would you tell someone who believed their sins were too great to be forgiven?
Make me a servant like you, dear Lord,
Living for others each day
Humble and meek, helping the weak,
Loving in all that I say.
Give me, Lord, a servant's heart, here's my life, take every part.
Give me, Lord, a servant's heart.
Help me draw so close to You that Your love comes shining through
Give me, Lord, a servant's heart, give me, Lord, a servant's heart.
(from “A Servant’s Heart” by Ron Hamilton)