- Read John 4:7-42
- Ask God to prompt you to repent of one particular sin this week
- Read chapter 7 and 8
And they began to discuss among themselves which one of them it might be who was going to do this thing. And there arose also a dispute among them {as to} which one of them was regarded to be greatest. And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called 'Benefactors.' "But {it is} not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. "For who is greater, the one who reclines {at the table} or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines {at the table?} But I am among you as the one who serves. Luke 22:23-27
Can you believe the disciples were actually arguing who would be greater in Jesus' kingdom? Little did they know they were going to get a huge lesson in humility!
John 13:1-20
Jesus believed in serving others. So much so that He did it by performing one of the most menial tasks: foot washing. This job was for the lowest slave in the house. The original door mat.
He laid aside His garments and took on the role of slave.
If you look at the way they lived in those days, foot washing was needed. They had regular baths, but it was their feet that would get the dirtiest every day. They walked everywhere. They wore sandals. Their land was dry and dusty…I can imagine their feet would be tough and cracked. Even hot and sore. My feet were sore enough from visiting The Holy Land Experience the other day. I can just imagine how sandaled feet in Israel would be like.
Gen 18:4, 19:2, 43:24, Luke 7:44 (Customary to wash a visitor's feet.)
When entering a house, a slave had the task of washing your feet. I imagine these slaves would not even get a second glance from visitors, but they performed a necessary task for health and hygiene.
Jesus used this lesson to illustrate how He would wash away their sins.
It was a menial task for the King of the Universe, an event reserved for sacrificial animals.
But He laid aside His crown and picked up the cross to do what was needed for your spiritual health.
"No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father." John 10:18
In fact, daily washing of the Word and confession of sin is necessary.
Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16
If you have been baptized, don’t go overboard like Peter and asked to be washed head to toe. You’ve already had your full bath. It’s the daily washing and confessing that will keep your walk a witness to others.
Ps 51:2, 51:7, Ez 36:25, Acts 22:16, Heb 10:22, Ephesians 5:25-27 Sins washed away.
Our daily walk is strewn with the sins of the day. We might trudge through the mud of gossip, or kick over a can full of anger. Sometimes we wade through grumbling or coveting and at the end of the day our "feet" are covered with filth.
Our Savior is waiting with a basin and towel, ready to remove the day’s grime--willingly.
If you can envision Him in that lowly station, cleaning your feet daily as a willing servant…will it help to take a second thought before going down a path that you know holds a puddle full of sin for you?
Philippians 2:1-11
We are to do likewise and serve others with a willing heart. Whom should we serve? Let Jesus answer for you.
"Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You {something} to drink? 'And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 'When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' "The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, {even} the least {of them,} you did it to Me.' Matthew 25:37 – 40
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