He Washes His Disciples Feet 2.

Welcome.

In this meditation on the story of Holy Week and the things Jesus did, we are looking at another aspect of the incident where Jesus washed His disciples feet.

When analysing the scriptures we think of who, what, when, where, why and how. In this article we can consider 'who'.

Who washes and who was washed? First, “Who washes”.

If we read John 13:3-5 we find this statement.

John 13:3-5 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.

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under His power. It was in this knowledge that He was the most powerful human in the universe and beyond; and had dominion over all principalities and powers; that He picked up a towel and started washing His disciples feet.

Can you wrap your heads around that? We often have no real power and no real authority and no real ability and yet want to Lord it over others! We want them to serve us! But here Jesus, who was knowingly “Lord of ALL”, stooped down to be a servant to the disciples and by extension to us today.

We worship a good God. There are other gods out there who are said to be great, but I know of none that is 'good' all the time, like our God! There is even a god out there, one of whose names is Al_Makker. which means, “The greatest of all deceivers!” But our God cannot lie!

So, when we read about Jesus who is the perfect representation of our good God we should be in awe of the wonderful God who loves all people and when we could not reach up to His level, He came down to our level and died for the whole world. .

Now what about the second part. “Who was washed?”

The quick answer is “The Disciples”. But when you say that I trust you realize that this includes Judas who betrayed Him?

Although Jesus knew that Judas had a proclivity to steal from the ministry's funds and was the one most likely to sell Him out, He still extended all His benefits to Him. He gave Judas every chance to change. An even after betraying Him Judas did not have to kill himself. He could have been restored just as Peter and the disciples were restored.

They were willing to fight for Him as Peter did cutting off the servant's ear, but later they were intimidated and run away! Only the one Jesus loved, whoever he really was, and the women, were at the cross.

Jesus washed the feet of ALL the disciples, the good, the bad and the ugly!

That should tell you something more about our good God. He wants all people to come to a knowledge of the truth, and be saved. To that end therefore He gives everyone opportunity to know about Himself and to live according to the knowledge that they have. We are told in Romans_1:20.

Rom 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

In other words, as I understand it, God can judge all people by considering how they lived based on what they have understood. God has given us Christians a part in reaching the nations with the Gospel but the fate of everyone is not dependent solely on whether we reach them. God is not silly! But he has some crowns in store for those who willingly and humbly play their part in winning souls for the kingdom of God in this age.

And as we do the work God has called us to accomplish, Jesus intercedes for us and washes our feet of the sins we have picked up in our Christian walk, because we are not yet of the spiritual maturity and stature of Jesus Christ. But remember He did this for everyone, Judas, Hitler, etc.

God shows us His goodness. We repent. He washes our sins. We are cleansed. We live Godly lives by His grace - by Jesus living through us. Then we give of our selves, we give of our time and we give of our substance, because whoever is forgiven much, loves much!

So, now it's up to us! When we show a repentant attitude, live according to the Godly knowledge that we have, and allow Jesus to build His character into us by renewing our minds, we will become more like Him every day.

Isn't it great when a God plan comes together?

Amen.

Attlee.

Another thought....