Tuesday, February 9

Begin your time with God by reading and reflecting on these selections from John 13 (if you have your Bible handy, you may want to read through the entire chapter)…

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 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. – Jn. 13:3-5

“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 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. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. – Jn. 13:13-17

Foot washing in Jesus day was the job of the lowest servant. It was shocking and debasing for a respected Rabbi like Jesus to do such a thing.

I remember meeting with a young couple who said that they wanted to wash each other’s feet as a part of the wedding ceremony. At first they wanted to wash all of their bridesmaid’s and groomsmen’s feet too, but I told them that since they had 12 in their wedding party, that might take a little longer than they expected. I have to say that the humble image of that bride & groom kneeling to wash each others feet right in the middle of the ceremony was a powerful symbol of what we are called to as Christians.

What does the washing of feet symbolize for us today? What is it that He is calling us, as His disciples, to do?

Near the end of the chapter Jesus says…
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. - John 13:34-35

It is interesting that Jesus says this is the way in which the world will recognize us as belonging to Him – by our love for each other!
But how does the world see that we love one another? By our kindness, our compassion, our generosity and by the way we serve. We should think of our service as love on display or love in action!

Ask God to help you see where His love needs to be put on display in your life…

Jeff Frazier