We have just come through Easter and once again glory in the full and free salvation purchased for us at great cost! He is alive and we his disciples follow him gladly.
Through the month of April we want to direct your thoughts to an encounter he had with the disciples just before the crucifixion – some profound teaching that is so relevant to us now – this was the washing of the disciples’ feet.
“Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love” John 13:1b
We have just come through Easter and once again glory in the full and free salvation purchased for us at great cost! He is alive and we his disciples follow him gladly. Through the month of April we want to direct your thoughts to an encounter he had with the disciples just before the crucifixion – some profound teaching that is so relevant to us now – this was the washing of the disciples’ feet. But today – some context for this Encounter found in John 13:1-17, and some ensuing questions to ask ourselves.
-Jesus knew that the time had come – the storm was about to break. He knew that he would be tried and suffer an intensely cruel death – he had told the disciples as much on multiple occasions. Remember that Jesus was human like you and me. Harry Bruce said, “Those who would understand how monstrous the Crucifixion was should stub a toe during the Holy Week.” And yet at this critical hour he thought of his mission and his followers – what a Saviour! Question: What would I worship the Son for today knowing all he went through to provide salvation for me?
-Jesus knew that it was time to return to the Father – the three years of rabbi/disciple relationship was coming to an end. It was now time for graduate instructions – last words – important things to never forget. Jesus never forgot why he came – he stayed on mission and now entrusted it to the twelve – eleven. What was his intent in the ‘upper room discourse?’ To show the full extent of his love! Question: What words of Jesus would the Spirit bring to my mind and heart today?
-The devil had hounded Jesus personally throughout his earthly ministry, seeking to tempt him into disobeying the Father (as Satan – and all of us have done). In this context, the devil had already prompted Judas to betray Jesus – and Judas was sitting at this meal! Very interesting to me that in the parallel passage of this event in Matthew 26 when Jesus referred to a betrayer, all the disciples asked, ‘is it I?’ Could it be that we are all so close to betrayal? Questions: Have I betrayed someone? What are ways I can make it right? Has there been betrayal done to me? What will I do with those feelings?
-The parallel account in Luke 22 also gives us context to this Encounter, as the disciples were arguing among themselves as to who was the greatest. The best, the most capable, the leader, Jesus’ favorite – that’s the way the world operates. But Jesus was preparing to show them the upside-down way of the Kingdom by washing their feet. The way up is down! Lorne Sanny, founder of the Navigators was once asked how you could tell if you were a servant. “By how you act when you are treated like one” he said. Question: In what ways am I a servant, mirroring Jesus’ example?
Here is servanthood – in context – meant for real life. Give a listen to this simple song – let it soak in…
Pastor Leon Throness
