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Bible Readings: John 13:1-11; Psalm 31:1-5

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.    John 13:3-5

In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;
    let me never be put to shame;
    deliver me in your righteousness.
Turn your ear to me,
    come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
    a strong fortress to save me.
Since you are my rock and my fortress,
    for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
Keep me free from the trap that is set for me,
    for you are my refuge.
Into your hands I commit my spirit;
    deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.      Psalm 31:1-5

 

“Do you know who I am?” 

This is a normal question that people ask (at least silently to themselves) when their place of authority and prominence is undermined by someone else completely ignorant of the fact that they should be treated differently because of who they are.  But when Jesus washes the feet of his disciples, everyone seems to know who everyone is.  Peter seems to know who Jesus is, at least that he shouldn’t be doing a servant’s job!  Jesus knows who he is (comes from God), the authority that he had over “all things”, and that he was soon going back to God (his rightful place). 

It is with this knowledge that Jesus chooses to wash his disciple’s feet. 

Jesus was teaching his disciples about what it means to follow him.  He is pointing to the cross where he would surrender his authority and power, be humiliated, all for the sake of “washing” his loved ones from sin.  And it sets for us the example of selfless service that we must follow if we are to be his disciples and lead others to Christ.  Christ leads us to a place of full surrender. We can do this, without hesitation, because we know that God is faithful and will bring us to glory with him!

 Into your hands I commit my spirit;
    deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.