John 13:1-17

40 Days of John

Day 23: John 13:1-17

Jesus' is about to die in order to live in today's reading.  And what does Jesus do?  He washes his 12 disciples' feet, the ones whom He loves...one by one.  

This is so powerful because Jesus is leading by serving in love, and He calls us to do the same.

Jesus says,

"Do you understand what I have done for you?...You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am.  Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet.  I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

...Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."

John 13:12-14, 17

Jesus willingly, lovingly washes away the dirtiest part of them, and He does the same for you and for me.  And as He does, He challenges us to follow His example.

I think about this scene.  It's so counter cultural, you know, even then.  Our Lord and Savior, God's Son, takes the time to serve those closest to Him in the most unexpected, hands-on, way.

Jesus could have simply served the disciples dinner and stopped there but He didn't.  I think that speaks volumes for the ways we are called to love without boundaries and expectations.

There's no greater love.  Jesus shows us that love isn't what we say.  Love is what we do with and for the ones we say we love.

How might Jesus be calling us to love today in the most unexpected ways?

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for sending Jesus to be my example of how believing in You changes the way I am called to serve and to love others.  Thank You for the promise of Your blessings when I follow Jesus' way.

Forgive me, Lord, because I know I do not always follow Your example of selfless love.  

Open my heart and empower me by Your Holy Spirit to love others in unexpected and transforming  ways, without self-imposed boundaries. Help me to connect with people and nurture relationships in my family, my neighborhood, my community, and in the world so that others might know the fullness of Your love through me.

I pray for ___________________ who needs to be filled and held in Your love today Lord.  Guide ____________________ by Your Holy Spirit to follow You, to trust You, to know the power, the freedom, and the hope that comes from being with You moment to moment.

You, Lord, are the light of the world, my Rock and my Redeemer.

In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen

Peace of Christ,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.