Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet

Devotions on John 13:1-17

Monday–Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet8–

“Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end” (John 13:1).

It is easy to imagine the three years Jesus and his disciples spent together as the equivalent of a good old boy fishing trip or a Boy Scout camping expedition. There were, of course, Jesus’ teaching and miracles, but also a lot of laughter and comradery. Though that may, in part, be true, there was also frustration and tension. The disciples’ inability to understand Jesus’ message surely must have annoyed Jesus. John and James desire for greatness, or the pressure of the disciples for Jesus to be the Messiah and wanted him to cause conflict. Still, Jesus loved them to the end—even Peter who denied him and Judas who betrayed him.

Our relationships with Jesus have their low points. Our faith falters and our commitment wavers. Selfishness, pride, greed exert their force in our lives. There are those times when we fail miserably and sin greatly—our words and actions shame us and become a heavy burden upon us. We may believe them to be so great that God can no longer love us. God does love us, though. In fact, God never stops loving us. God love us to the end—and the new beginning.

Thank you, Lord, for your unconditional forgiveness and your steadfast (passionate) love. Amen.

Tuesday–Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet

“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands” (John 13:3).

Jamie Cruz was in control and he knew it. He owned a small advertising agency, with a crew of twenty-five people. His staff knew that Jamie was in control, too. If Jamie assigned a person to a project, that person accepted the project without question or comment. A request for a Starbucks coffee was understood to be an order and the greatest sin was to displease the boss.

We may disagree with the manner in which Jamie managed his company, yet we must confess that there is a certain appeal to being the boss and having people do what we want without an argument. We are self-centered enough to be tempted to use our control to our advantage. It’s a common thing to do.

Jesus used his control differently. The gospel writer records that, when Jesus gathered with his disciples, he knew that all things had been given into his hands—he was in control. Jesus did not use his control in order to accomplish his will, though. Instead he used his control to serve. By doing this, he provides us with a different standard to follow. Control isn’t bad in itself; it just depends on how it is used. As followers of Jesus, we are challenged to use our control for the benefit of others and thereby share God’s love and grace.

Lord, it is so easy to fall into selfish ways. Forgive us and enable us to use the gifts that you give us to serve others and to honor you. Amen.

Wednesday–Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet

“Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet” (John 13:5).

During the Season of Lent, many congregations practice the tradition of foot washing. It is not only a reenactment of what Jesus did with his disciples, but it is also a lesson in serving. In Western culture, foot washing is not a custom, so the act is naturally uncomfortable. People feel awkward washing someone else’s feet. There is a humility that accompanies bending down and washing another person’s feet. The person who is having their feet washed is uncomfortable, also. A person feels honored having his or her feet washed and is usually ill at ease with the attention.

Jesus’ act of washing his disciples’ feet leaves a lasting impression upon us. Certainly, we never rise to a level where we never have to serve others. The service we are called to do may not be likeable, comfortable or easily accomplished. Following the example of our teacher, though, it is what we, as followers of Jesus, have been called to do.

Open our eyes, Lord, that we may see the opportunities to serve—no matter how humbling, uncomfortable or difficult they may be. Amen.

Thursday–Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet

“Unless I wash you, you have no share with me” (John 13:8).

One of the characters in the Peanuts comic strip is a boy named Pigpen. He is evidently a young man who does not like baths or showers. A cloud of dust and dirt accompany him wherever he goes. Elena was a real life Pigpen. She loved playing in the sandbox, on the playground and getting dirty. She, however, did not like taking a bath and would make a great fuss when her parents told her it was time to get clean.

Through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, it is possible for everyone to live freed from their sin and experience a reconciled relationship with God. Unfortunately, many choose not to be “washed in the blood” of Jesus, or cleansed in the waters of baptism.

God never takes the gift away. Unconditional forgiveness, overwhelming grace and steadfast love are always ours to receive. Living forgiven and loved allows us to share all of life with God and to experience the abundant and free life that God wants for us.

Lord, thank you that you have reconciled us to yourself. Amen.

Friday–Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet

“One who has bathed does not need to wash except for his feet, but is entirely clean” (John 13:10).

In the first century C.E., there was a group of Jews called the Essenes. They separated themselves from mainstream society and the despised Romans and lived in self-contained communities. Within those communities, were several baptisteries. The Essenes believed that it was necessary to be baptized frequently in order to remain ritually pure and acceptable to God. Though some Christians have been baptized more than once, baptism is usually understood to be a one-time event.

Christians do have a way to “wash their feet” on a regular basis, though. It is called “confession.” In our personal devotional times, worship services, or conversations with spiritual counselors or pastors, we can confess both our sinfulness and sins. When we do, we never need to fear that our sin will be so great that God will not forgive us. We are already forgiven! Claiming this truth, we live and serve without guilt or shame.

We give you thanks and praise, Lord, for you gift of forgiveness and for the ability to live free from guilt and shame. Amen.

Saturday–Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet

“You also ought to wash one anothers feet” (John 13:14).

For most of her life, Maria worked hard at being a good Christian. She worshiped regularly and gave generous financial support to her congregation. Maria attended a weekly small group Bible study, read her Bible in the morning and evening and observed a daily time of prayer. Maria was displeased that fewer people were attending worship services and identifying themselves as “Christians.” When some Christian leaders said that many of the nation’s ills were caused by the ungodliness of the people, Maria believed them.

A friend of Maria’s asked her, one day, to help at a kitchen to feed the homeless. Maria accepted the invitation and begin to feed the homeless and associate with many people who did not go to church or believe in God. As Maria built relationships with the homeless and many of the people who served them, her thinking began to change. She started to realize that the spiritual disciplines that she practiced: worship, tithing, reading the Bible and prayer were not meant to be the “goal” of the Christian life. Instead, they were merely means to an end. The ultimate goal of receiving God’s grace and responding in faith is to serve others—to wash one another’s feet. This new understanding transformed Maria’s life. It can transform our lives as well.

Use our hands and feet, Lord, to serve those in need. Amen.

Sunday–Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet

“For I have set you an example” (John 13:15).

We learn from others. Binh’s mother loved books. Some of Binh’s earliest memories of his mother was of her reading to him. Following her example, books have always been a part of Binh’s life. When Juanita began to work for the company, her boss, Jill Adams, took Juanita under her wing and mentored her. Juanita learned how to work on a team and eventually lead a team. Jill demonstrated how to inspire co-workers and have them work hard, while treating them with love and respect. Watching Jill, Juanita learned how to strategize and prioritize. Eventually, Juanita became successful in business and was even able to start her own company.

Jesus has set us an example and, as his followers, we are called to follow that example. Jesus was clear in his command, “I want you to love one another.” When we read stories of how Jesus interacted with demoniacs, lepers, women and Gentiles, we see examples of what that love is to look like. Standing at the foot of the cross, we are able to ponder the depth of the love to which we have been called. It is our prayer that, as we follow Jesus’ example, people will look through us and see Jesus.

Lord, enable us to follow your example of love and empower us to be examples of loving service to others. Amen.