John 13
Scripture
Vs 1 … Jesus knew that his hour had come …
Vs 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands …
Vs 5 (Jesus) … began to wash the disciples’ feet …
Vs 6 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?”
Vs 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.”
Vs 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.”
Vs 12 When he had washed their feet …, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you?
Vs 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.
Vs 27 … Jesus said to (Judas), “What you are going to do, do quickly.”
Vs 28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him.
Vs 36 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?”
Vs 37 Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”
Vs 38 Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.
Observation
This is the intense foot washing scene between Jesus and His disciples.
What strikes me is John’s documenting that Jesus knew everything that was happening.
And that the disciples were clueless.
More than lacking in knowledge, the disciples, Peter, in particular, made demands of and questioned Jesus’ actions.
Jesus had a knowledge beyond anyone’s comprehension.
Yet, He humbled Himself to the lowest position He could … even in the face of their ignorance.
Application
What are my questions of Jesus? Do I think I know a better way?
Do I think Jesus is doing things wrong?
Do I trust that Jesus, just maybe, knows a better way? Knows what’s best for me?
John states Jesus did what He did … “knowing His hour”, and “knowing all things”.
What’s more, Jesus specifically told the disciples, “You do not understand now, but afterward you will understand”.
Am I willing to wait until “afterward”?
So often, before I endure something, especially a hard thing, I want to “understand now”.
I’m like Peter … “Jesus, No!” … “Jesus, why can’t I?”
But Jesus says “NO” to that kind of thinking.
This is Faith! … Do I trust Him?
Am I willing to humble myself? … Am I willing to set an example Jesus set for me?
Do I boast to Jesus, “I am willing to lay down my life for You!!”
Jesus simply asks in return, “Will you lay down your life for Me?”
Prayer
Thank you, God, for your word
Thank you that you make me clean
Help me trust your wisdom
Help me live the example you set
In Jesus name
Amen