March 11
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. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 3 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, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 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. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
– John 13:1-11
JOHN 13 SERVICE IS THE GREATEST ACT OF LOVE
What is the significance of this washing of the feet of the disciples by Jesus? Can you imagine how the roads were during those times? They were not paved like how we have it today. It was dusty and probably some muddy areas where there were potholes. They were not wearing shoes but sandals, so their feet must be dirty. There is usually a waterpot by the door so people can clean their feet before they enter. When Jesus washed their feet, he was role modelling to his disciples that the greater of them would be the one who will serve the others.
According to Luke 22:24-27, after their last meal with the Lord, they were arguing which one of them was the greatest. The act of the washing of their feet was the greatest manifestation of his love for them. Humbly bowing down to their dirty feet to wash them would be looked down upon as a very degrading task to be done. The kingdom of God sees the greatest as the last and least. It was a lesson of humility and love. Are they able to follow that servant heart that Jesus had?
REFLECTION
• Why can’t one be a true follower of Jesus if they cannot be humble and serve?
