Sandy’s Devotional:
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
“Having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:22
John describes Jesus’ actions with simple, staccato words: He got up/ He took off his
clothing/ Wrapped a towel… Powerful words of love, humility, and service.
I imagine myself sitting at the table with Jesus – my feet dirty, muddy, and dust covered – and our wonderful Lord, takes my feet in His hands, pours water over them, rubs off the dirt, and wipes them with the towel wrapped around Himself. He washes not only our feet – but washes our souls and consciences with His blood shed for us. May each of us see ourselves sitting with Him and washed in His love. May we see others with His love – washing them rather than criticizing – remembering to love them as He has loved us.
It is easy for us to criticize those with dirty feet instead of washing them. “In the world they criticize this is the business of the public press, and it is very much the business of private circles. Hear how gossips say, ‘Do you see that spot? What a terrible walk that man must have had this morning: look at his feet! He has been very much in the mire you can see, for there are the traces upon him.’ That is the world’s way. Christ’s way is very different. He says nothing but takes the basin and begins to wash away the stain. Do not judge and condemn but seek the restoration and the improvement of the erring.” Spurgeon
