“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands and that He came from God and was going to God, rose from supper, laid aside His garments, and took a towel and wrapped Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was wrapped.” John 13:3-5 (Read John 13:1-17)
What would you have done if you had been there in the upper room when Jesus began to wash His disciples’ feet? Would you have been like Peter, who initially refused and said to Jesus (v. 8), “You shall never wash my feet!” Peter was not about to let Jesus stoop to do the job of a servant and wash his feet. Yet, when Jesus pointed out that those who would not let Him wash them had no part in Him, Peter was ready to have Jesus wash his hands and his head, as well (cf. v. 8-9).
Today, too, many are unwilling to let Jesus do the work of a servant and cleanse away the filth of their sin. But those who will not let Jesus wash away their sins and cleanse them in His shed blood have no part in Him; they remain lost forever!
What about you? Jesus suffered and died on the cross for your sins. He paid in full! Will you let Him wash you and cleanse you from the filth of your sin? Are there yet some areas in your life that you refuse to let Him cleanse?
Jesus also told His disciples that He was giving them an example. As He humbled Himself to serve them, they should also humble themselves to serve each other. If Jesus, God’s own dear Son, could humble Himself to wash His disciples’ feet — if He could humble Himself and bear on the cross the punishment for the sins of the world that He might grant to all who believe God’s pardon and forgiveness — certainly we are not above humble service to our brethren, nor are we above forgiving those who have offended us (cf. Phil. 2:5ff.; Gal. 6:1-3; Eph. 4:32).
While we are not required to observe the ancient custom of foot washing, we can learn much from Jesus’ example. As Jesus came into this world not to be served but to serve us and give His life a ransom for many (cf. Mark 10:45, Matt. 20:28), so we, as His disciples, and especially those called to be His ministers, are not here to be honored and served but to serve others. No needed service is beneath our dignity.
O dearest Jesus, wash away my sins and cleanse my heart with Your shed blood. Move me also to humbly serve the needs of others and share with them Your grace and forgiveness. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from The Holy Bible, Modern English Version, Copyright © 2024, 2017, 2014 by United Bible Association. Published and distributed by Charisma House. All rights reserved.]