This week’s readings are all from John chapter 13. Click here to see a full listing of each day’s reading and the full chapters for this week. Full readings of each day’s smaller segments of the readings will be posted on this site during the week.
Today's Reading
So when Jesus had washed their feet and put his outer clothing back on, he took his place at the table again and said to them, “Do you understand what I have done for you? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and do so correctly, for that is what I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you too ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example—you should do just as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the solemn truth, the slave is not greater than his master, nor is the one who is sent as a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you understand these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
Gosh, with the note yesterday comparing the feet-washing to Jesus's final act on the cross, this challenge has some added weight! We know Jesus isn't just asking everyone to clean other feet. So let's look at more of the context surrounding this moment and let that continue to shape our lives of service.
If our Lord and Teacher responded in this way, we too ought to lay down our status, our privilege, our convenience, our prestige, our respect, our honor, our lives... and lift up even the dirtiest parts of the world to wholeness in service and love.
Amen. And all the while doing so with the humblest and sincerest of attitudes. Without need of acknowledgement, without expectation of reciprocation. Just because that's what Jesus did and told us to do. 😩 Lord, let it be so.