Washing Feet

Saturday, July 27, 2024

Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day: Hebrews 9:28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

Memory verse: Psalm 90:14

14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

Today's reading: PSALM 46-48 ACTS 28

Washing Feet

John 13 records the washing of the disciples' feet by Jesus. In this same chapter only two disciples are mentioned:Simon Peter and Judas Iscariot. Jesus washed all their feet but these two are the only ones named-the one who would deny Jesus and the one who would betray Jesus.

Jesus spoke to Peter but only spoke of Judas. Peter was usually emotional and let it show. He always wanted to do 'what seemed right'. To have the Son of Man wash his feet did not seem right but then Jesus explained and Peter went through it, gladly.

We never hear any objection from Judas but the scripture says, "After He(Jesus) had finished...". This implies that he washed the feet of all the disciples.

Jesus washed the feet of the one who was preoccupied by sin- the money-bag-keeper-the betrayer.

He washed the feet of the one who loved Him and had the best intentions but would soon deny any knowledge of Jesus.

But what was the real difference in the two? Peter really loved Jesus-really loved Him and believed in Him. His mind was always in the middle of the ministry and obeying the Lord. Judas was lost to sin.

We all know what Judas did and how his life ended. Peter would eventually die for his faith. But what happened to Peter as he traveled after Pentecost in the everyday ministry? Had he changed?

Peter was never far from his emotionally sensitive character and the effects that he allowed it to have on his behavior even after he was filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

All this to say: all of us have the inner nature that would have us yield to sin. Paul writes in Romans 7:17, "In that case, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it . 18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh;"

Jesus wants us to have a 'foot-washing' attitude-the humility it takes to listen to Him and love those in our lives the way He loves them. He said, " 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."

Let humility, God's peace, be your governor and you will live in obedience. Yes, we will stumble but returning to Jesus in humility and repentance will be restoration. The twenty-third Psalm says, "He restores my soul".

There may not be many occasions to wash feet in this life but there will always be time for humility and love in obedience.

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Forgive me my pride. Give me the humility to wash feet without reservation while I live in obedience. Mighty God of mercy and grace!

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen