“And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.” John 13:2-5
Jesus chose twelve disciples, from varied backgrounds — humble fishermen to rich tax collectors. Possessed with different talents and abilities, together they had been selected for a special purpose. All watched Him perform miracles. They all listened to the same teaching as He prepared them for ministry.
Jesus had tried to prepare them for the fact that He would soon be leaving them. On their last night together, they gathered for a meal. I can imagine them laughing and talking together as they gathered, sharing something funny or strange that had happened that day.
They were amazed when they saw their Master take off His cloak, wrap Himself in a towel and fill a basin with water. Asking them one at a time to remove their sandals, He knelt before them preparing to wash their feet. At first Peter refused, then relented and submitted. Jesus already knew the plans that had been made and yet He did not pass Judas by. I wonder how Judas felt, as Jesus gently scrubbed his feet and wiped them with the towel, treating him the same as the other eleven. What great compassion and love!
When Jesus was finished and had sat down, He spoke to His disciples:
John 13:14-15 “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”
I read an interesting post on FB this morning: “What would you do if you had only one day to live; shop, party, cruise, go to church, make things right with someone…? Jesus knew He had one day to live…..He washed feet!” (Thanks DH)
Thought For Today: Jesus showed compassion to the one who was planning to betray Him. Who do we need to show compassion to today?
Devotion by: Anne Johnston
