In the Upper Room where Jesus and His disciples were about to have their first communion, our Lord and Master teaches us some deep lessons. John 13:1 says, “It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for Him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, He LOVED THEM TO THE END.” How marvellous to know that Jesus loves us not only now, but also to the end. No matter what we face in life, we are assured that Jesus is with us and loves us to the end of our lives, into Eternity.
Verses 4, 5, “So Jesus got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist and poured water into a basin. Then He began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel He had around him.” Usually, dusty, dirty feet were washed by slaves and servants, but Jesus shows us what servanthood truly means.
Jesus got to Peter, but Peter said, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus loved Peter like He loves each one of us. So, He replied, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” (V 7)
Verses 8 continues, “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “UNLESS I wash you, you have no part with me.” Jesus was essentially telling Peter that unless Peter allowed Him to wash away his uncleanness, Peter could not be His disciple. One day we will understand WHY Jesus does what He does in our lives. All we need to do is to trust Him and give Him the freedom to cleanse, prune, and use us. This painful and difficult work is our blessed sanctification. Jesus not only washes our feet which must bring the Good News of the Gospel of peace, but He also bathes us completely, removing our guilt from sin and shame, while disciplining and maturing us in our faith.
Hebrews 12:10 + 11 states, “Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
Precious Lord Jesus, thank You that Your love shows us the path of humility and trust. Your sacrificial love desires to cleanse us thoroughly, preparing us to live with You one day. Help us to obey Proverbs 3:5 which says, “Trust in the Lord with ALL of your heart and lean NOT unto your own understanding.” We love and trust You dearest Saviour even when we do not totally understand the future.
Myrtle Turunen