Devotion:
Read John 13:1-17.
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, the slave would go to the door and wash the guests' feet-not a pleasant task. Even the disciples of rabbis were not to wash the feet of their masters for that was uniquely the task of a slave.
The night he was betrayed and arrested, in a reversal of tradition Jesus washed the feet of his disciples demonstrating one of the most incredible acts of humility in the Bible. Imagine how the scene may have unfolded. Jesus waited until everyone was seated and supper was served. Then in total silence, Jesus stood up, walked over and took the pitcher, and poured the water into the basin. He then removed his outer robe, his belt, and very likely his inner tunic, a shorter garment like a long undershirt leaving him clothed like a slave. He put a towel around his waist, and knelt to wash the feet of His disciples, one by one.
Can you imagine how this act of humility and love must have affected the disciples? What an act of humility as Jesus, King of Kings, knelt before each disciple, even the ones who would betray him to wash their dirty feet. No task is too great or too small for Jesus.
Later on, this night, Jesus prayed for the unity of his disciples and gave them a new commandment to love one another as he loved them. He taught them one of the keys to being united - that they serve each other. Part of living the way of Christ is being willing to both serve and be served.
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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