Scripture reading – John 13; John 14
* This is the first of two Bible studies for today and is taken from John 13.
The Gospel of John is not one of the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke); however, it presents many eyewitness accounts of events recorded in the other Gospels. For instance, in John 13:1-2 we have John’s brief account of Christ observing the Feast of Passover with His disciples (the same that we studied in Matthew 26:26-30, Mark 14:22-26, and Luke 22:13-20).
Like one who reflects fondly on a loved one’s last words, John looked back and wrote, “Jesus knew His hour was come” (John 13:1). Already, Judas had agreed with the chief priests to betray our Lord for thirty pieces of silver (Luke 22:2-5). His treachery fulfilled Zechariah’s prophecy: “So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver” (Zechariah 11:12b).
Identifying himself as the one “leaning on Jesus’ bosom…whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23), John gave His readers insight into the dramatic moment when Jesus revealed one of the Twelve would betray him (though none suspected Judas, John 13:21-30). John also gave an account of the conversation when Peter boasted, “Lord…I will lay down my life for thy sake” (John 13:37). Jesus then foretold, “The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice” (John 13:38; Matthew 26:30-35; Mark 14:26-31; Luke 22:31-34).
Love and Humility: Jesus Washed the Feet of His Disciples (John 13:4-12)
Of the four Gospels, only John recorded that Jesus washed His disciples’ feet. We read, “3Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; 4He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself” (John 13:3-4). Although an awkward moment for men who often debated who would be the greatest in Christ’s kingdom (Luke 22:24), the disciples allowed Jesus to wash their feet. Only Peter objected to this act of servitude and questioned, “Lord, dost thou wash my feet?” (John 13:6)
Background – Foot washing was a cultural practice of that day, as households lacked the modern convenience of plumbing and running water. Wealthy citizens of towns and villages would bathe in public baths, only to walk home on dusty streets. Arriving at the house, a master would be met by a servant who washed his feet in a basin filled with water and dried them with a towel. Washing feet was the work of the lowest servant in the household.
When Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, it served as an act of love and humility. Imagine, He even washed Judas’ feet, the one who betrayed Him. Indeed, it was one thing to wash the feet of His disciples; however, it was another to wash the feet of an enemy (John 13:2, 11). What humility! What grace! What love!
Closing thoughts for John 13 –
I invite you to ponder three spiritual traits (i.e., heart attitudes) found when Christ washed His disciples’ feet. The first is persevering love: We read, Jesus “having loved his own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end [continually; to the uttermost]” (John 13:1).
A second trait is unpretentious humility. We read that Jesus washed “the disciples’ feet [and] wiped them with the towel wherewith he was girded” (John 13:5). Perhaps it was this act that moved Paul to exhort believers in Philippi when He wrote, “Let this mind [attitude] be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus… 7 [Who] took upon him the form of a servant [slave], and was made in the likeness of men [became man]” (Philippians 2:5, 7b).
Finally, we find Christ modeling enduring commitment, for He commanded His disciples: “If I then, your Lord and Master [teacher], have washed your feet; ye also ought [duty, obligation] to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you” (John 13:14-15).
Believers are duty-bound by Christ’s example and His love to serve others. I’ve learned that the world (and the church) will always make room for one more servant.
Will you be that servant?
Copyright © 2024 – Travis D. Smith
* Please subscribe to the Heart of a Shepherd daily devotionals by entering your name and email address at the bottom of today’s devotion.
The Internal Revenue Service recognizes Heart of A Shepherd Inc as a 501c3 public charitable organization. Your donation is welcome and supports the worldwide ministry outreach of www.HeartofAShepherd.com.
Heart of A Shepherd Inc.
7853 Gunn Highway
#131
Tampa, Florida 33626-1611