"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples feet, drying them with the towel that wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."
This is one of my favorite parts of Scripture to visualize in my mind. Can you image being at dinner with Jesus and all of a sudden he gets up, goes to the kitchen grabs a towel and then lowers himself to your feet. When I think of Jesus getting up from the table I see him getting off of his throne, being sent by The King to this earth and laying down his life before us. When he wrapped himself in a towel I think of him wrapping himself with humility as he humbly approaches the cross.
The disciples must have been freaking out. Why would the Sovereign Savior wash their feet, when it was the lowest job of any servant and this is what they should be doing for him. Matthew 20:28 says he came "not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as ransom for many." Jesus was displaying servitude to these disciples who a few minutes ago at dinner where arguing about who was better. Not knowing that one of them is soon to betray the One they adore. But hey, lets not forget to give some credit to Peter, when Jesus started washing feet he yelled "You shall never wash my feet!" Then Jesus said something that must have shocked Peter: "Unless I wash you, no have no part with me." Peter who loved the Savior beyond words was silenced by this statement from Jesus. Then Jesus took the time to explain to Peter why he was doing this. Peter, like many of us have experienced the cleansing of salvation. We are drenched by the life and love of Christ. The life that you gain through salvation is a lifelong journey with Christ. Jesus washed our sins when he gave his life for us. By washing his disciples feet he was expressing that even though you have already been washed by the water, we will still sin and fall short and become dirty, but Jesus washed our feet and took to the cross.
Later that night, Jesus said, "I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done for you." (John 13:15) As bold followers of Christ we strive to be like him in everything we do. Serving one another in lowliness of heart and mind, seeking to build each other up in humility and love.
This weekend I was blessed with another great weekend at a Younglife camp in the mountains of North Carolina called Windy Gap. Literally the most beautiful place on the earth. Our group from NC State did workcrew which is helping serve the campers meals, preparing the meal and cleaning. It might not seem like the best job ever but wow, it is the most rewarding. Jesus humbled himself and washed the dirty, tired feet of his followers and was pleased. This weekend we were able to display the service of Christ by washing dishes. But with that, gave campers the chance to experience the love and joy of Jesus love. We washed dishes, while he washed feet of those campers.
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| Windy Gap |
I am learned that Jesus still humbles himself to us through a relationship. He calls us and says; Hannah you are dirty, sinful, and broken. But my beloved daughter, I love you so much. Come to me and let me wash your feet and your sins off and take them upon myself so that you can shine my light onto others.
Serving Christ is not for reward, but out of gratitude and longing for others to gain the love of Jesus.
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