Thursday, March 16th

Washing Feet

After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

John 13:5

Read John 13:1-20

Christ’s mission statement was clear, “The Son of man did not come to be served but to serve … (Mark 10:45a).” In the final hours of His life on earth, in the last moments with His trusted friends, Jesus underscored once again that He called them to humility and ministry.

During the Passover meal it would not have been unusual for a servant to enter the room, equipped with a washbasin and towel, and begin to methodically wash the feet of the guests, beginning with the host or rabbi.

To the amazement of all, Jesus stood up, laid aside His garment, put a towel around Himself, poured some water into a basin, and began to wash the feet of the disciples. This extremely unusual gesture by the host was met with mixed reactions. Peter initially refused but Jesus explained the act. “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” (John 13:8b). Our relationship with Jesus begins with our surrender to His cleansing. We all need to be washed by Him.

Christ came to serve and to save. “For I have given you an example, that you should do just as I have done to you,” (John 13:15 ESV). Jesus taught the bewildered men. If they were going to serve Him, they would need to serve one another. Ministry requires the heart of a servant.

Something to think about

1. How do we still need to be washed by Christ today?

2. Why is humility important to serve others?

3. How will you follow Christ’s example today?