May 2, 2023
“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, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 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.”
John 13:3-5 ESV
Think about this!
Jesus knew what He was about to face and knew who was about to betray Him, yet the Bible says, He took off His outer garment, knelt down with a towel and washed the feet of those He loved, even Judas. He washed Judas feet!
Yet another picture of Christ’s humility! He removed His outer cloak, His mantle and He grabbed the dirtiest part of the human physically. Remember they wore sandles and walked everywhere they went and He got on His hands and knees and washed their feet.
We are too busy bashing those who have left us, or they couldn’t handle walking with us, or they just couldn’t go where we go, or we are talking of those who have betrayed us personally. These are the quotes we make or the justifications we shout! BUT GOD, Jesus Christ, deity in the flesh, Jesus, removes His garment and kneels down and washes the very one who sold Him out!
We don’t get it at all! We are self-righteous and arrogant to think we deserve any better! Jesus was the very picture and model of how we should be! We quote the scripture, “love your enemies”, and then preach like we got it!
Have you had to do this? Have you had to kneel down and wash the feet of those who stabbed you in the back? Would you do it? Maybe so, maybe you say, oh, I have done this, I get it, you don’t know what I have had to do or put up with!
BUT, would you do it with the right motive and right heart?! With love for that person?! I think this is the real question!
See anyone can go through the motions! We must ask the question to ourselves! Is my heart clean towards this person! The Lord is always looking at the heart of the matter not our outer facade! We must get to the deep places within us and not be self deceived! We must ask the hard questions!
Search us Lord and know us and help us to be more like You!
