Today’s Reading: John 13:1-5
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”
* * * * *
The Jews had rejected Jesus. It was the night before he went to the cross. He was nearing the Father’s appointed time to die.
As you read about his preparation for the cross, keep in mind these three points:
First, because the Jews had rejected Jesus, he was now devoting his full attention to those who had faithfully followed him to the end. Through them, he was going to start a movement that would change the world. They were now his focus.
Second, the devil had put into Judas’s heart the desire to betray Jesus. Satan was the tempter from the beginning. Though Satan’s temptations are inevitable and common to all, he can’t force you to do anything against your will. But he can tempt you in the hopes of getting you to make bad choices. That’s what he did with Judas, who loved money and power. He ensnared Judas and had him choose to betray Jesus. Beware! The enemy works to ensnare you in similar ways.
Third, the Father in heaven had given Jesus all authority in heaven and on earth. The Son had come from him, and would soon return to him.
These lessons are ones you need to know well. But the most important lesson—one that applies to all believers—is Jesus’ call on your life to be a servant. Why did he take the towel and basin and began washing the disciples’ feet? Luke’s Gospel tells us. According to his telling of what happened that night, an argument had erupted among the disciples about who was the greatest (Luke 22:24-27). Sadly, this selfish debate exploded several times during their three-plus years together.
That’s when Jesus took the towel and basin and started washing the disciples’ feet. This domestic duty was usually reserved for a household helper. It was essential in a culture where people wore sandals and walked many miles on dusty or muddy roads, which would cause their feet to become exceedingly dirty.
Jesus himself had carried out a most menial household duty that only the lowest of servants would perform. He was showing humility— the earmark of anyone who would choose to follow him. He wanted all his followers to emulate his example.
You are called to wash others’ feet. You are called to serve, not be served, and to give your life away to a dying world.
Do you acknowledge this truth today? If so, go find someone whose feet you can wash. Find someone you can serve. Find someone to whom you can give hope.
You will find yourself when you lose yourself in something greater than yourself. Your depression will lift like the noonday sun shining on creation.
It’s one of the most important lessons you can ever learn.
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]