scripture
John 13:1 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. 2 It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. 4 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.
6 When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.” 8 “No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.” 9 Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!”
10 Jesus replied, “A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For Jesus knew who would betray him. That is what he meant when he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
12 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. 16 I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. 17 Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.
observation
“Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God”
observation
“Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God”
Jesus had every reason to say "I am not touching those disciples dirty feet" but Jesus never needed to protect his image, he didn't do anything to make sure that everybody knew that he is powerful, he was okay if they saw him as a servant.
The Jews had never seen a leader like this before, whether it was the various governments that they had lived under or if it was the religious leaders that they had to submit to, they all ruled with a heavy hand that made sure that the little people knew who was in charge.
“You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.”How true are these words? We all have moments when we would like to ask God what he is up too. The disciples were just as clueless as we are many times. Sometimes we try like Peter did and say "I will never" but God seems to enjoy streching us beyond our "never."
And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet.
Remember Simon, the Pharisee that had Jesus over to his house for dinner, he was a teacher but he was not of the same character as Jesus. Simon thought that he was too good to be washing the dusty feet of his guest, but here is Jesus being the humble servant, willing to serve his disciples and show them the type of leaders that they should become.
application
The greatest leader the world has ever know was not afraid to be a servant to everyone. If I am going to be a leader in ministry then I cannot be afraid to be a servant.
prayer
Help me to serve you Lord with humility, I am nothing that you should decide to find me useful for your work.
