No blog today. Time to focus on the message and contemplate over the next few days.
Day 43
Scripture
John 13:1-17
- Before Reading the scripture today; Pray and ask the spirit to guide you in the reading:
- It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
- 2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 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.
- 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
- 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
- 8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
- Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
- 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
- 10 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.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
- 12 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. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
Wisdom
- Time to really dive deep into the last few devotionals. These will be challenging moments. As they should be since they were Jesus’ last moments. Reflect on what these passages mean to you and how they test your commitment and the Grace given to you.
- This is by far one of the most difficult passages for some folks. Sure we are with the Holy Jesus who casts demons out and heals the blind. We are with the buddy Jesus who is our friend and turns water into wine. We are with the Rabbi Jesus who teaches us and is our mentor. We are with the loving Jesus who keeps His calm when Pharisees test Him and He still loves Peter after His denial. But servant Jesus? The one who gets down on His hands and knees and washes the feet of His disciples, even the one who betrays Him. He does so with a humble and open heart.
- This is a difficult Jesus to mirror. Humbleness is tough in our culture. We find it difficult to forgive and love those who betray us. We find it difficult to clean and wash dirty things when we don’t have to. This is a selfless act. A compassionate act. This is how we must be.
- If we are to be Christ for others, we have to be willing to not see them as sinners, but as Children of God who need love. If we are to be leaders for Jesus, we need to be able to wash the feet of our friends and family who need God’s love. Figuratively speaking, what does that mean to you? How can you portray Jesus?
Apply
- Can we love and serve others the way Jesus loves and serves?
- Can you put aside your pride and serve those who are not close to you or respect you?
- Can you be faithful to Christ even when life is tough or the temptation is deep?
Prayer
- It is time to really prepare our hearts for Jesus’ sacrifice. Pray to the God who laid down His life willingly for you. Ask Him for a heart that bleeds and serves like His. Ask God to show you the opportunities in your life to serve those who need it in your friends and family. Ask Him to remove pride and selfishness in your life and put love and acceptance first.
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