John 13:12-20
Be Still: Holy Spirit, come and speak to me today. Teach me more about Jesus and make me more like him. Amen
Read: John 13:12-20
'Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.'
(vv15-16)
Encounter: We were recently at a Summer Festival staying in a caravan. If you’ve stayed in one, you'll know that caravans have a big water container outside which needs taking away and refilling from a water tap every day. It’s a hassle and heavy and usually you get wet! After a few days, I noticed our water had not been running out and I hadn’t had to change the container at all. Suddenly, at tea-time, the caravan started rocking slightly and I realised there was someone outside the window changing our water unit! I couldn’t believe it! I slowly peeked out the curtains and realised it was a guy I’d only just met who was camping near us. He had decided to quietly bless us every day, changing our water!
Having washed the disciples' feet, Jesus tells them to do the same for one another. Some churches to this day take this command literally: there is a tradition on Maundy Thursday of washing each other’s feet at church. Whether or not that is your tradition, we all need to hear and obey Jesus’ words to serve one another and to follow his example in quiet ways. We are blessed if we do (v.17).
Humility and service are extremely powerful. It’s what Jesus will go on to display to these same disciples at the Cross. Humble service is the way of Jesus and it’s the way we are to walk in.
Apply: Have you done an act of service or kindness this week? Can you recall when someone has done that for you and what it made you feel and think? Commit to being more pro-active and prayerful about serving others.
Devote: Jesus, thank you for the incredible humility and kindness you showed. Thank you that you deserved all glory and honour and praise and yet chose to wash your disciples' feet and give them honour instead. Help me by your Holy Spirit to be radically humble and kind like you. Show me what I can do this week to act more like you.