Meditation for Monday
So after He had washed their feet, and had taken His garments, and was set down again, He said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? John 13:12
If you were to ask the pope to answer Jesus’ question, he might say that Jesus was instructing His disciples to hold a foot-washing ceremony once in a while. After all, the pope is involved in an annual ceremony in which he washes several people’s feet in a farcical show of how humble he is. There are other denominations that also hold foot-washing ceremonies. For these people, Jesus was establishing a religious rite that must be followed. This an example of how far people can get from understanding what the Lord Jesus teaches us in His Word, and what He meant by those things that He did. Jesus asks a very important question concerning what he had just performed. In essence, He is asking whether they grasp the lesson concerning his act of foot-washing. If we had been there, how would we have answered?
The first lesson we learn is concerning His humility. For any master or lord to perform such an act for his servants or followers was almost unthinkable. But to consider the King of Kings and Lord of Lords washing the feet of a group of His followers goes beyond what anyone could conceive. That He did it is proof of His love for us, His commitment to His Father’s desire for us to be saved, His tender compassion for His own. This humble act that was usually performed by the lowest slave displays these things, proving His claim to be our Saviour.
Another lesson to learn is that the humble deeds of help and kindness are not below the highest in rank. The world’s view is that lowly deeds are done by lowly people. Our Lord’s example is that lowly deeds are to be done by those who would be greatest. The route to the top is marked by giving, caring, service, and selflessness. If the Lord Jesus could wash His disciples feet, what ought you and I do for those around us? We need not look long and hard to find something.
Yet another lesson is here. Jesus asks a question to determine if His disciples are learning anything from His actions. As we read of His life in all its details displayed in the Gospels, we might well ask ourselves if we are learning anything. Do His parables and His teaching have any impact on us? Do His miracles transform our understanding of His power and His purposes? The Word of God is for our profit; do we profit by reading it?
The greatest Teacher Who ever lived wishes that we might learn from Him. Let us read of Him that we might understand. – Jim MacIntosh