John 13:1-11

Be Still: Come, Holy Spirit. I wait for you. Reveal to me who you are through your words of life. Let this bread be food for my soul. Amen

Read: John 13:1-11
Jesus answered, 'Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.' (v8)

Encounter:  Did you know that the colour white, once having any amount of colour mixed into it, can never scientifically return to the brilliant white it once was? Even if the colour added is ever so faint, no matter how much you try to reverse the colour process, chemically, it will never be pure white again.  

Trying to wash ourselves of sin and purify ourselves in order to present ourselves faultless before a holy God is an impossible task. Sin enters our lives like a stain and once there it cannot be removed by any washing we can do. The only one capable of cleansing us is Jesus. Trading our unholiness for his holiness is the only way.

Isaiah says, 'All our righteousness are as filthy rags' (Isaiah 64:6). But John the Baptist declares of Jesus, 'Behold the lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.' (John 1:29) It is his blood that purifies us from all sin.

Apply: How many times have I tried to present myself before God only to realise I am sinful and unworthy to stand before his throne? Too many to count. In my life, unless I let him wash me, I cannot stand before his throne. But it is because he has washed me, I can say before Him, 'I am child of God.' It’s not my righteousness today that allows the Holy Spirit to live in me and lead me, it’s Jesus’ righteousness. - and the cleansing power of his blood. 

Devote: Jesus, forgive me for trying to live by my own righteousness. Please wash me and remind me I walk in your righteousness alone.