Read: John 13
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bv5ajWNrnt4
Jesus washed His disciples’ feet. This simple, yet humble act, was done by the King of the Universe! The hands that had formed Adam’s feet from the clay of the ground, wiped the soil, dirt, sweat, and grime off the feet of the disciples. Yes, this was the job reserved for the least of the lowest slaves.
Yet, Jesus, the Son of God, the Lamb of God, the Anointed and Holy One, knelt before His followers and washed their feet! In the same way he “took up the towel and basin,” He would take up the cross and carry it to Golgotha.
Why would the Almighty Creator of the Universe lower Himself to wipe the soil from the feet of His followers? Why would the All-powerful, All-knowing God take up the cross to pay for your sins and mine? Love! Pure, holy, self-sacrificing love!
God loves you so much that He sent Jesus to be the sacrificial lamb of God, who takes away your sin! This is the ultimate act of love! In the upper room, Jesus’ time had come. He knew full well the event of the night and next few days. He knew the betrayal and denial of His followers. He knew the shame, scorn, beatings, and ultimate death penalty He would receive from those He came to save. He knew full well the rejection He would face! Yet, Jesus willingly chose to endure with joy the events of that season. Why? He knew perfect love! He knew where He had come from (the Father)! He knew He was not alone! He knew where He was going (back to the Glory He knew before creation)!
Finally, when Jesus had finished washing the disciples’ feet He said, “I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” He followed with “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” In other words, Jesus said the world will know you are my followers by how much you love each other. We have “a new command to “Love each other” in the same way Jesus loved us… we willingly lay down our life for one another!
Pray: Jesus, thank you for showing us what true love is… please help me to love as you have loved!
Discussion Questions:
- What is one concrete way you can apply Jesus’ example of humble service and sacrificial love in your own life this week? What makes this challenging, and what steps can you take to overcome those challenges?
- Jesus, the “King of the Universe,” willingly took on the role of the lowest servant. What does this radical act reveal about the nature of true power and leadership? How does it challenge conventional notions of authority?
- Jesus commands his followers to love each other “as I have loved you,” culminating in the laying down one’s life. In our modern context, what does it truly mean to “lay down our life” for others? Are there ways we subtly resist this call, and why?
- Consider the implications if we truly lived out the commandment to love as Jesus loved. How might it transform our relationships, communities, and the wider world? What would be the most significant challenges in achieving this?
- Imagine yourself as one of the disciples having your feet washed by Jesus. What emotions and thoughts might you be experiencing? How might this moment have changed your understanding of Jesus and your role as his follower?