Daily Bread John 13
John 13
Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet
1It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.
2The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. 3Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
6He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"
7Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."
8"No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet."
Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me."
9"Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" 10Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." 11For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
As Jesus gets ready for the Passover realizing that his time to depart is drawing near, he uses this moment to teach his disciples a valuable lesson. As they shared their last meal together, Jesus literally took the role of the servant and washed the disciples’ feet. Peter was reluctant to have Jesus do this for him, as he thought it was below him.
Peter had yet to realize how to truly use power and authority. Peter was used to having those who were in power wield it over others. But Jesus was teaching the disciples how to truly use power, in service to others. Jesus taught them that power was a privilege given by God. And that one day those in power will be accountable for how they use it. All authority is given by God anyways.
So Jesus set before them an example of how to use power to serve others. What is amazing that Jesus even washed the feet of the one who would betray him, Judas.
Jesus is the best example the world has ever seen of “servant leadership”. And as Jesus fulfilled his mission as the Son of God, who would offer his life for the sacrifice of the world, God exalted him to the highest place that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God.
Jesus, help us to serve others who you have placed in our lives, a home, at work and in the world. Help us to use the power and authority we have been given to show the world who is ultimately in charge. Thank you Jesus for showing us what a true leader looks like. In Your name we pray, Amen.
Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet
1It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.
2The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. 3Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
6He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"
7Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."
8"No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet."
Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me."
9"Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" 10Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." 11For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
As Jesus gets ready for the Passover realizing that his time to depart is drawing near, he uses this moment to teach his disciples a valuable lesson. As they shared their last meal together, Jesus literally took the role of the servant and washed the disciples’ feet. Peter was reluctant to have Jesus do this for him, as he thought it was below him.
Peter had yet to realize how to truly use power and authority. Peter was used to having those who were in power wield it over others. But Jesus was teaching the disciples how to truly use power, in service to others. Jesus taught them that power was a privilege given by God. And that one day those in power will be accountable for how they use it. All authority is given by God anyways.
So Jesus set before them an example of how to use power to serve others. What is amazing that Jesus even washed the feet of the one who would betray him, Judas.
Jesus is the best example the world has ever seen of “servant leadership”. And as Jesus fulfilled his mission as the Son of God, who would offer his life for the sacrifice of the world, God exalted him to the highest place that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God.
Jesus, help us to serve others who you have placed in our lives, a home, at work and in the world. Help us to use the power and authority we have been given to show the world who is ultimately in charge. Thank you Jesus for showing us what a true leader looks like. In Your name we pray, Amen.
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