John 13:3-9
3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
Jesus comes to each of us, and kneels at our feet.
In rough, craftsman's hands, He takes our feet, dirty from walking the world.
Gently washing away the grime and dust until we are clean and refreshed.
We find Jesus now, taking our lives in his rough craftsman hands. Lives worn and dirty from the mistakes we have made.
He offers to wash them clean.
How do we respond to one so clean touching that part of us that has become so marred.
Peter could not bear to have his friend and teacher touch the part of himself he considered so far from God.
Jesus said, that if he did not let him wash then he would have no part in his kingdom.
We might find it embarrasing or difficult to have Jesus take that which we consider shameful and offer to wash it away.
If we don't though, what part can we have in his kingdom?
Comments