24 Series Devotionals - Day 6

Loving One Another Requires Humility

“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God, and was going back to God, rose from supper….” [John 13:3]

What a statement!  Jesus knew He was about to die, and yet He knew the Father had given all things into his hands!  From our perspective, He was staring death in the face….about to be abandoned by His friends, arrested by His enemies and condemned to death by a spineless, harsh Roman governor.

And yet….Jesus knew the Father had given him all things.  He had no doubt about the Father’s plan.

Continuing in chapter 13, John tells us the story of what is commonly referred to as “The Last Supper.” Jesus arose from the supper table, took on the form of a bond servant and washed the feet of all twelve disciples.  Ordinarily, this would have been done when everyone first arrived, because the typical footwear of that era was sandals.  Walking on the dusty roads left feet in need of cleaning.  

Servants usually performed this ritual, but this little band evidently didn’t have anyone to serve them.  Luke tells us in the Gospel bearing his name that Jesus sent Peter and John ahead to prepare the Passover meal.  Since no servant was there, someone would have to do this menial task of foot washing voluntarily.  No one volunteered to wash the disciples’ feet.

Do we sense a lesson in humility coming here?  Read on and try to mentally picture yourself doing what Jesus….the Son of God….was willing to do to demonstrate His love.