In John chapters 13 – 17 we read how our Lord Jesus Christ spent time
with His disciples, preparing them for the Cross, teaching them many
important, wise lessons on humility, how to abide in Him as the Vine, the
work of the Holy Spirit, while also praying for them before they went to
Gethsemane.
Even though I have read these chapters very many times; John 13:1b in
NIV Bible grips me powerfully – Jesus “showed them the FULL total,
complete extent of His love.” Jesus was about to wash His disciples’ dirty
feet in an act of extreme humility and extravagant love. This loving act
was the introduction to the extreme suffering Jesus was going to endure
in the next 24 hours, but our Saviour was determined to display His love
of mercy and loving grace in washing their feet, even though He knew
who would betray Him Judas, deny Him Peter and abandon Him in His
hours of need All the disciples.
HOW WOULD YOU REACT IF JESUS WASHED YOUR DIRTY FEET? “Jesus
emptied Himself, making Himself of NO reputation taking the form of a
servant, being made in human likeness.” Phil. 2:7 In Old Testament
times, in the average household, the lowest servant did the duty of
washing feet when people entered the home. We realize the depth and
extent of someone’s love by what it costs them to serve and love us.
1 John 4:16 says, “We have come to know the love which God has for us.”
Accepting and believing the depth/extent of God’s love is the KEY to us
growing into a humble, loving person.
In John 13:15 Jesus said, “I have set you an example that you should do
what I have done for you.” Jesus served His disciples in meek humility,
and He asks us to do the same, EVEN IF others betray or reject or
abandon us. This is a high calling – to love like Jesus loves, to forgive like
He forgives, to serve like He serves – humbly, sacrificially, and willingly.
Precious Sweet Jesus, thank You for setting an example to us of genuine,
sincere, sacrificial love. Thank You that “the grace of our Lord overflowed
to me, along with the faith and love that are in (You), Christ Jesus.” 1
Tim. 1:14 You gave up Your radiant, secure Home and being in the
precious Presence of Father God, and humbled Yourself to be born in a
stable, to have no place on earth you could call home. You died an
agonizing death on a cruel cross, for me, taking my sins and shame so
that I can be liberated. I do not have the right words to thank you enough
but thank You! Thank You! I love and worship You, King of kings and Lord
of lords, my Good Shepherd and Redeemer. Amen
Myrtle Turunen