Throwing Stones, Washing Feet
John 13:1-5 It was almost time for the Jewish Passover festival. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go back to the Father. Jesus had always loved the people in the world who were his. Now was the time he showed them his love the most. Jesus and his followers were at the evening meal. The devil had already persuaded Judas Iscariot to hand Jesus over to his enemies. (Judas was the son of Simon.) The Father had given Jesus power over everything. Jesus knew this. He also knew that he had come from God. And he knew that he was going back to God. So while they were eating, Jesus stood up and took off his robe. He got a towel and wrapped it around his waist. Then he poured water into a bowl and began to wash the followers’ feet. He dried their feet with the towel that was wrapped around his waist.
Loving people who don’t love us in return … well, it’s not easy, is it? In fact, our instinct is to give them as much grief as they give us. And that, right there, is why there’s so much conflict in the world.
When I was a boy, I remember fighting with some of my school friends and we’d end up throwing stones at one another. Not exactly wonderful behaviour, I know. But sadly, many carry that sort of behaviour into adulthood, throwing metaphorical stones at one another when they disagree. Enter Jesus:
John 13:1-5 It was almost time for the Jewish Passover festival. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go back to the Father. Jesus had always loved the people in the world who were his. Now was the time he showed them his love the most. Jesus and his followers were at the evening meal. The devil had already persuaded Judas Iscariot to hand Jesus over to his enemies. (Judas was the son of Simon.) The Father had given Jesus power over everything. Jesus knew this. He also knew that he had come from God. And he knew that he was going back to God. So while they were eating, Jesus stood up and took off his robe. He got a towel and wrapped it around his waist. Then he poured water into a bowl and began to wash the followers’ feet. He dried their feet with the towel that was wrapped around his waist.
The thing that rocks me to the core about that episode is that Jesus also washed Judas’ feet, knowing full well that he’d betray Him.
#NoteToSelf: It’s difficult to throw stones when you’re busy washing feet.
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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Annette
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