May 8

“Jesus knew that the Father had put him in complete charge of everything, that he came from God and was on his way back to God. So he got up from the supper table, set aside his robe, and put on an apron. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples, drying them with his apron. When he got to Simon Peter, Peter said, “Master, you wash my feet?” Jesus answered, “You don’t understand now what I’m doing, but it will be clear enough to you later.”  Peter persisted, “You’re not going to wash my feet—ever!” Jesus said, “If I don’t wash you, you can’t be part of what I’m doing.”  “Master!” said Peter. “Not only my feet, then. Wash my hands! Wash my head!” John 13:3-8 (MSG)

Here we see the most beautiful picture of Jesus, the Son of God, with Whom all things were under His control, take the posture of a servant, and begins to wash His disciples feet.  There were men who were there to walk with Jesus and who wanted to serve him, considering Him far greater than they could ever be. Yet Jesus took the posture of a servant and demonstrated what true love looks like.  Love that humbles itself before others, love that does not demand it’s own way, love that serves in the places of greatest need.

Peter did not want that. He did not want Jesus to wash him or to serve him, and yet Jesus said, if you do not let me wash your feet in this moment, then you cannot continue on this journey with Me.  Jesus must have known that in the days ahead, and indeed for all of history to come, that we as human beings would not make it unless we allow God to heal us, cleanse us, and care for us in this way.

Could there be areas where Jesus wants to come and minister life to you?  Where He wants to take up His towel, and care for the very things that matter most to you?  Are you resisting Him as Peter did, saying…never Lord, only let me serve You instead?

Open your heart if you can, precious one, to see where Jesus is longing to serve you today—painful memories from the past, dust upon your feet, that He alone can wash away. Heart hurts that have never quite gone away? In receiving from the One Who is love, you will be free to serve and to love others.

Let our cry be the cry of Peter, who in hearing and seeing what Jesus wanted to do, said then Lord, if that is Your will, not just my feet, but all of me too!  Yes Lord—come to us now as only you can do.  Let us receive your life, and then let us serve others with You, as You have taught us so tenderly, and so beautifully to do.