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 disciple’s feet. These were men who walked with Jesus and wanted to serve him. They considered Him far greater than they could ever be in every way. 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 its 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, because he felt he should be the one serving Jesus! 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 Jesus to cleanse us, heal us, and care for us in this way.
 
Could there be areas where Jesus wants to come and minister life to you today? Where He wants to take up His towel, and care for the very things that matter most to you? To wash away the dirt and the grime that comes from journeying some of the long and dust roads of this life? 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; words that have stung and stayed, that He alone can wash away. Heart hurts that remain with you to this day? In receiving from the One Who is love, you will be made free for freedom’s sake. Then free to serve Jesus with your whole heart, and to love others as He has done for you.
 
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! 

Prayer:
 
Yes Lord—I do pray today, that You would come to me now as only You can do. And as hard as it is to understand, I hear that You are wanting to serve me too Lord; to minister in all the areas of my life that are broken and weary; to restore and to renew.
 
I choose to accept Your Resurrection life today, Jesus, in every area of need, and though I don’t always feel worthy Lord, I receive.
 
Then let me serve others with You, as You have shown me so tenderly, and so beautifully to do.
 
It is all because of You Jesus, our Risen Saviour and King. You are the hope of all creation, my life wrapped up securely in that truth, and all the glory belong to You!