Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. And supper being ended, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples feet, and wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”John 13:1-8
With perfection God loves us. And here Jesus is demonstrating for us the depths for which He not only loves us, as He is headed for the cross, but also how we ought to love one another. What Jesus knew—It was because of what Jesus knew that He did what He did: He washed the disciples’ feet. Jesus knew where He came from and where He was going, He knew that the Father had given Him all things into His hands. If you have all things in your hand, you will have no problem picking up a towel and serving others, even if it was washing their feet. Knowing ultimately that He would soon purchase them with His own blood. I’m sure the disciples would have surely washed Jesus’ feet, but they could not conceive washing each other’s feet. This was during a time in their society that footwashing was reserved for the lowliest of menial servants. When Jesus stooped to wash their feet, they were shocked at His actions which was symbolic of spiritual cleansing and a model of Christ’s love and what Christian humilty should look like. Through this lesson Jesus taught through His example selfless service that was supremely exemplified by His death on the cross. Jesus also taught them the lesson in fellowship and how to keep themselves clean before the Lord. Jesus reminds us that the most miraculous and amazing things in life are all invisible until we bring forth demonstrations of His love, His compassion, His humility in how we serve Him, by serving others. True Christianity doesn’t waver at these virtues, but rather is empowered through the Holy Spirit when our life is in complete surrender and submits to the authority of His Word.
Beloved friend, Isn’t it obvious that Jesus did not have die on the cross for us? But He willingly submitted to the Father’s will and laid down His life for our salvation. How can anyone think that God doesn’t love them? Look to the cross and see that He fulfilled the will of His Father’s perfect love while on this earth, and continues through His followers by the power of His Holy Spirit in and through them this same love. For what we do for the least of men, He says we have done it as unto Him (Matthew 25:40).
May the Lord bless your walk with Him today!
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