Devotion:
Read John 13:12-17.
The night he was betrayed and arrested, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and then gave them a new commandment to love one another as he loved them. Since sandals were the common footwear, foot washing was an act of hospitality in ancient civilizations. At the entrance to every Jewish home was a large pot of water to wash dirty feet. Normally, foot washing was the duty of the lowliest slave. When guests arrived, he had to go to the door and wash their feet-not a pleasant task. Even the disciples of rabbis were not to wash the feet of their masters-that was uniquely the task of a slave. When Jesus washes his disciples' feet, it is one of the most incredible acts of humility in the Bible. As is often the case, Jesus turns the meaning of a common act upside down. Later on this night, Jesus will pray for the unity of his disciples. He teaches them one of the keys to being united - that they serve each other. Through his actions and his words, Jesus teaches his disciples what it looks like to be one of his followers.
Personal Worship Option:
Jesus's purpose in washing his disciple's feet was to model how he wants us to live a life of service to him and each other. Plan this week an act of service to someone and experience the type of love and unity Jesus modeled for us.
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