Jesus washed Judas’s feet too

Somehow, in some way, we need to start doing what Jesus did. It doesn’t matter if the ones who hurt us deserve it or not. It doesn’t matter if they won’t ever change.

You call me “Teacher” and “Lord,” and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. (John 13:13-15) 

When I was younger, I really struggled with what it looked like to follow Jesus in a practical way. I mean, how can you walk in the footsteps of someone you can’t physically interact with? And it’s not exactly like reading the Bible helps very much, right? Because 21st Century America is a totally different world than the First Century Israel. 

Right? 

Yeah, yeah. You got me.  

Of course, reading the Bible helps. Reading the Bible is the best thing we can do to understand how to live, how to follow Jesus, and why it matters. But it has to be more than just glancing at a verse or two when we feel focused enough. We have to study the Bible. We have to work to understand what it means, and that does require time and intentional focus.  

But I didn’t understand what it meant to live like Jesus until I spent enough time with Him to see it for myself.  

If you call yourself a Christian, Jesus is your standard. Let’s just get that out in the open. You shouldn’t say you are a Christ-follower if you are a self-follower. Jesus is our example.  

That means we do what He did. We live how He lived. He speak how He spoke. The things we understand and appreciate, as well as the things we don’t understand and the things that contradict popular opinion. 

We don’t get cherry pick Jesus’ words. With Him it’s all or nothing. 

The Disciples were a constant source of annoyance for Jesus, I’m sure. The poor guys just didn’t get it. They missed the point so many times, and Jesus had to back up and explain and explain again and explain again. So when we reach this passage in John 13:1-17, Jesus is showing them one last time what it means to be the Greatest. 

It’s a common theme throughout the Gospels. The Disciples often got crosswise with each other arguing about who would be the most important in the Kingdom of Heaven. And Jesus’ patient answer was the same every time: The first shall be last, and the last shall be first.  

And that’s why the Son of God Himself got down on His knees and scrubbed the dirt and filth and grime off the feet of His followers with His own hands.  

The Disciples didn’t deserve it. On the contrary, they were acting like jerks, to Jesus and to each other. But that didn’t stop Jesus from showing them extravagant kindness.  

There are too many examples of how cruel people can be to each other in the world today. It’s heartbreaking. We hurt each other, we hurl insults and curses, we tear each other apart. But that’s the world. That’s what we can expect from the world.  

So why does it also happen in the church? Why does it happen between believers? Why does it also happen in the Body of Christ?  

We have to draw the line somewhere, friends. Somehow, in some way, we need to start doing what Jesus did. It doesn’t matter if the ones who hurt us deserve it or not. It doesn’t matter if they won’t ever change. Jesus washed Judas’s feet too. 

You can’t be responsible for anyone else’s actions but your own, and if you say you follow Jesus, follow Him. Make your life like His. Love the people who don’t love you back. Serve the people who can’t pay you. Show kindness to those who have hurt you. 

Too hard? Impossible?  

Exactly. 

Questions for Reflection 

What would change in your life today if you began to truly live the way Jesus did? 

Why do you think Jesus asks us to pattern our lives after His when it’s completely impossible for us to do? 

How is one way you can serve someone else in your social circle this week? 

Weekly Memory Verse

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