Whirlwind

John 13

Washing His Disciples' Feet

^1-2 Just before the Passover Feast, Jesus knew that the time had come to leave this world to go to the Father. Having loved his dear companions, he continued to love them right to the end. It was suppertime. The Devil by now had Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, firmly in his grip, all set for the betrayal.

^3-6Jesus 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?"

⁷Jesus answered, "You don't understand now what I'm doing, but it will be clear enough to you later."

⁸Peter 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."

⁹"Master!" said Peter. "Not only my feet, then. Wash my hands! Wash my head!"

^10-12Jesus said, "If you've had a bath in the morning, you only need your feet washed now and you're clean from head to toe. My concern, you understand, is holiness, not hygiene. So now you're clean. But not every one of you." (He knew who was betraying him. That's why he said, "Not every one of you.") After he had finished washing their feet, he took his robe, put it back on, and went back to his place at the table.

I am weary, I am tired...the week has been long, yet fruitful. I hadn't been home for days. I had a decision to make. The last thing on the 'itinerary' was Young Life leadership meeting. I hadn't missed one all year. I was starting to feel sick and emotionally drained along with physically and mentally.

There gathered at the table were 13 disciples just as in this story. It can only be imagined what the disciples were feeling as they were being charged with carrying on the mission of Jesus. And, then, Jesus began to clean their feet. It can only be imagined what the disciples were feeling as they were having the Son of Man serve them by cleaning their feet.

I assume the disciples were tired, felt a sense of urgency, and were overwhelmed with the need of the world. This is how I have felt recently. Yet, Jesus has washed me clean. And, I most certainly want to be apart of what Jesus is doing...spreading love.

Moral of the Story: When weary, turn to Jesus for rest (Mark 6:30-32).