Today’s Reading: John 13:1-17; Psalm 134

Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. — John 13:1

What a beautiful verse! Jesus was aware of the suffering he was about to experience, yet his focus was on those he had come to love. They had walked beside Jesus on this journey of life, listening to him teach the crowds, watching him heal the sick, and standing in awe as he raised the dead. Jesus was aware of how difficult the next week would be for those who had daily been by his side. They were more than just followers, they were friends; at one time they had been fans of Jesus, but now they were family.

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. — John 13:3-5

Jesus knew where he had been and he knew where he was going, but he was present in this moment with his disciples. Today was about them and Jesus chose to be intentional in order to teach them one more time. When he was gone, they would be able to look back at this moment and know how much he loved them. They would also know how to show this same kind of love towards others.

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 13:12-17

Now that you know these things, will you do them? With knowledge comes the responsibility to take action. The life of Jesus should be studied for the sake of allowing it to change our lives. It is not just about gaining an understanding of the scriptures, it is about living out our relationship with Christ so that Jesus can continue his ministry both in us and through us.

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.” — John 13:6-8

As Jesus was washing the feet of the disciples, he took time to help the one who was struggling to understand. He sensed Peter’s discomfort and took the time to patiently reveal what needed to happen. Clarity would come later; now was the time for obedience. Peter needed to decide if he was willing to submit to God’s plan, no matter how uncomfortable. If he chose pride, it would keep him from fully experiencing all that was ahead. He had shown his willingness to give when he walked away from his fishing boats to follow Jesus, but Peter also needed to learn how to receive, because Jesus did not just want to do something through Peter, he wanted to do something in Peter.

“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. — John 13:9-11

Following Jesus requires surrender. Are you willing to walk this journey with Jesus even when you lack the clarity to know where he is taking you or what he is doing? He is drawing us near to him in order to minister to our needs before He uses us to minister to the needs of others. And after we have allowed him to cleanse us, Jesus wants us to humbly love others in the same way he loves us. Are you all in? Feet, hands, head, all of it!