READ: John 13:12-15

¹² When Jesus had finished washing (his disciples’) feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. ¹³ “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. ¹⁴ Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. ¹⁵ I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

THINK:

Heels, arches, toes … our feet are a wondrous, sturdy, flexible, God-made creation.  Most Americans log an amazing 75,000 miles on their feet by the time they reach age 50!  In Jesus’ day people walked even more!  Taking care of the tootsies was a utmost concern and people tended to their feet every day.  In fact, when invited into the home of a host, a slave would often wash the guests’ feet as a health courtesy as well as a sign of hospitality.

So, when Jesus washed his disciples feet he humbled himself to the lowest level – that of a slave – to perform this  grimy task.

Flash forward to today - does that mean you should walk around seeking to wash people’s feet?  Well, maybe.  But in this story Jesus is also suggesting we think about his submission and service.  After all, Jesus' sacrifice – his death – was necessary in order for his disciples, then and now, to receive eternal life.

CHALLENGE:

Ask yourself the question that Jesus asked his disciples: “Do you understand what I have done for you?”  Do you need to put aside any partialities or prejudices of society to follow Jesus’ radical example?  Spend time in prayer thanking Jesus for all he has done. Then share with someone how you can change your thinking in order to walk in Jesus’ footsteps.