To Wash the Disciples' Feet
Scripture Passage: John 13:1-11 (NASB)
Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He would depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. 2 During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, 4 got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself.
5 Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. 6 So He came to Simon Peter. He said to Him, “Lord, do You wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered and said to him, “What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter.” 8 Peter said to Him, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” 9 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.” 10 Jesus said to him, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For He knew the one who was betraying Him; for this reason He said, “Not all of you are clean.”
SUMMARY
Before the Passover feast with His disciples, Jesus realized His time to depart the world had come. Jesus knew it would be their last fellowship gathering at the Passover supper table, and so He got up from the table and began to wash His disciples’ feet one by one. His disciple, Peter, protested he would not let the Lord perform such a humble and lowly act of service on him. Jesus replied it was a necessary act in order to truly belong to Him. Then, Peter impulsively insists he would like his hands and head washed, as well. Jesus affirmed him that only their feet needed to be washed, as the rest of their bodies were clean. However He pointed out that not all of them were clean, as He knew Judas was being influenced by the devil to betray Him.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
For me, the act of Jesus washing my feet represents allowing Jesus fully in, to cleanse the most vulnerable, most hidden, ugliest corners of my soul. If I don’t let Jesus into these parts of my soul and cleanse me, He said I will not truly belong to Him. People do not see or know of the intimate parts of anyone’s soul by only looking at their appearances, conversing with them face-to-face, or maintaining a comfortably distanced relationship with someone. However, Jesus positioned Himself in a humble, low, and intimate position with His disciples. He was physically on the ground, in the position of a servant, to wash their feet, to serve them and wash them clean of the dirt they had accumulated on their feet. Jesus still does this with me today, except it is with the guilt and shame that I accumulate in my heart. Sometimes I squirm at the thought of letting Jesus fully in, being so vulnerable and honest with Him. But I know, and I have experienced that He will lovingly cleanse me and refresh my soul each time I honestly come to Him.
APPLICATION
When I am in God’s Word and connected in fellowship and prayer with Him, I become greatly aware of my need for His cleansing and healing touch. I am able to see through His eyes, that I am muddied from the world, sinful in nature, and completely helpless without Him. I plan to pray more honestly and deeply during my daily quiet time. I want my prayers to be more true and intimate conversations with my Father God. In my knowledge and awareness through His Word and my honest prayers to Jesus, I have faith that I will receive His true cleansing and purification everyday.
PRAYER
Thank you Father God, that there is no shame or rejection when we honestly show ourselves to You. You actually draw nearer to us, and lovingly wash us clean of our dirt and sins. We also thank you for teaching us that we belong to You only if we would allow you to cleanse us, only if we allow you the intimacy. You are the ultimate example of humility and love. Change us and purify us each day as we walk closely with You, to follow Your perfect example.
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