John 13:1-11: “Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had
come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples
during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. It
was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of
Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had given him
authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to
God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel
around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the
disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. When Jesus came
to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus
replied, “You don’t understand
now what I am doing, but someday you will.” “No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!” Jesus
replied, “Unless I wash you,
you won’t belong to me.” Simon Peter
exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!”
Jesus replied, “A person who has bathed all over does not
need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples
are clean, but not all of you.” For
Jesus knew who would betray him. That is what he meant when he said, “Not all of you are clean.””
Jesus displayed an utmost act of humility when He took off
His robe and washed His disciples’ feet. Taking off His robe signified the
stripping all pride or greatness. What do I have on that I need to take off in
order to be humble? Is it my knowledge, beauty, skills, or achievements? God
wants me to strip all such things before humility can be manifested. Humility is
service. Jesus showed this by washing His disciples’ feet. He instructed His
disciples to do same to others. I must be willing and ready to serve others. Now,
humility is not just serving others but also allowing ourselves to be “served”.
This must sound strange. However, let us look at the passage again. When Jesus
got to Peter’s turn, he refused to allow Jesus wash his feet. I know we might
think that he was just being modest, but look again. Here was an opportunity to
be cleansed by Jesus Himself which Peter met with strong refusal. I lack words
to explain this but we are all in need of God’s cleansing, and unless we put
aside any sentiments or pride, He cannot do His work of cleansing in you and
me.
Verse 8: ““No,” Peter protested,
“you will never ever wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.””
If I do not submit to God and allow Him cleanse me, I do not
belong to Him. He must cleanse me so I can belong to Him.
James reveals that Grace only comes for a man when/after he
humbles himself before God. Grace has a requirement; HUMILITY. I cannot be a recipient
of grace when I am proud. NO WAY. Pride stands in the way of grace. Remember that
Grace is undeserved mercy. Humility portrays that I am nothing and that I need
God. Humility reveals my uttermost need for God.
It is only grace that can keep a man, but before that Grace
must come humility. May we not allow any “robes” in our lives stand in the way
of receiving God’s grace.
May the Lord help us.
#selah
Dear Lord,
I strip myself of any “robe” in my life; material things,
skills, knowledge, beauty, fame, or achievements. Help me to put on utmost
humility. I need You, I really need You, because without You I am nothing. Cleanse
me from every iniquity. I put myself under Your mighty hand. Please supply
GRACE for me so I can do Your will. Help me to be willing to serve others in
all humility. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.
