[Anglican Devotional 6 April 2023] Topic: Wash One Another’s Feet

TOPIC: Wash One Another’s Feet

READ: John 13:1-15 (NKJV)

Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.
And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s [son,] to betray Him,
Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God,
rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself.
After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe [them] with the towel with which He was girded.
Then He came to Simon Peter. And [Peter] said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?”
Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.”
Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”
Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also [my] hands and [my] head!”
Jesus said to him, “He who is bathed needs only to wash [his] feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.”
For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, “You are not all clean.”
So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you?
“You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for [so] I am.
“If I then, [your] Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
“For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
THE MESSAGE:

Feet washing was a common practice in Israel in the Old and New Testament eras (Genesis 18:4,19:2; Luke 7:44). Thus, water was often provided near the point of entry to a public place or home (John 2:6). The actual washing was usually done by each person, or by servants (Genesis 24:32; 43:24). It was hardly done by the master or leader, hence Peter’s initial objection when Jesus was to wash his feet (verses 6-8). After the exercise, Jesus took time to explain His actions (verses 12-14). He was passing a strong message to all believers that we have a responsibility to wash the feet of each other.

Can you identify some practical ways of following this example of Jesus? One clear message in verses 4-5 is that of humility. Imagine if you come to a churtch and the ushers are Bank managers, Professors, high-ranking businesspersons and government workers etc. Their service as ushers in spite of their lofty positions will convey a silent and more powerful message on Christian humility compared to if they were chosen to preach on the same topic. No matter our positions in the Church or society, let us learn to associate with others, rendering useful services unto the Lord, without expecting rewards from them. (1 Peter 5:2-4). In this way, we shall follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21).

PRAYER: Oh heavenly Father, help me daily to walk in step with the Master in Jesus name, Amen.

Henry | Categories: Devotional

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