Passion Week Devotional - Thursday - John 13:1-17
John 13:1-17
It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 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.
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
Today, we’re looking at a familiar part of the Easter story. Maybe one you talked about in small groups, that you’ve heard preached about, or remember from Sunday school. It’s one of those moments in the life of Jesus that people outside the church might know and reference – it’s shorthand for humility, service, and putting others before yourself.
In John 13, we read about a meal with Jesus and his disciples. This was the night before his death, and on the night of his betrayal by Judas. Before they broke bread and shared wine, Jesus got up from the table, wrapped a towel around His waist, and began to wash his disciples' feet. In those days, walking around in sandals on dusty roads meant your feet got pretty dirty. It was a normal act of hospitality for the host to offer water for guests to wash their feet, or for a servant to do it. Peter objects at first, but Jesus insists. After finishing, Jesus returns to his place and explains to the disciples that He has set an example for them to follow.
Jesus said, "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I've shown you what to do." He wasn't saying they had to wash each other's feet all the time, but that they should have the same attitude of wanting to serve and help each other in any way they could, even with the everyday parts of life.
This love was so complete that it extended even to Judas, who Jesus knew was about to betray him. In serving Judas, Jesus showed an unconditional love that might be almost impossible for us to understand. It’s a huge challenge for us to show the same grace and service even to those who may hurt us.
Going past the simple act of service, washing the disciples’ feet is also an illustration of Jesus’ ultimate act of love and service on the cross. Jesus said that he came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Just as the water cleaned the dirt and dust from the disciples' feet, Jesus' sacrifice would cleanse humanity from sin.
Over Easter, when we remember Jesus' ultimate sacrifice, let’s look to this moment in John 13 as a reminder of his love and humility. Just as Jesus lovingly served his disciples in their final moments together, we are called to bring this same spirit of service in our own lives.
This week, let’s consider how we can extend grace and service to those around us – within our families, our churches, and our wider communities.
Reflection and action
Who in your life could use a little help, encouragement, or support? Maybe rather than sitting and waiting for a big sign from God pointing where you should be serving others, just get on with simple acts of helping people.
Are there areas in your life where pride or a sense of entitlement might be hindering your willingness to serve others? How can you cultivate a servant's heart?
Is there anyone in your life, even someone who has hurt you, that you could extend a gesture of love and service towards, mirroring Jesus' love for Judas?
Sometimes it’s hard to admit we need help, but just like Peter had to let Jesus wash his feet, we have to be willing to receive grace. Spend some time this week letting Jesus “wash your feet”. Sit with him, pray, and let him remind you who you are and how deeply you’re loved.
Today’s devotional was written by James Hopkin