Scripture
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!”
10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.”
Reflection
“You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand”. Have you been in that place where you didn’t know what God was doing at that point, but revelation came afterwards?
One more time we see Jesus in a teaching moment with Peter. Instead of just giving simple direct answers, His replies put the whole circumstance of the dialogue in Peter’s radar. This was not just a matter of literally having Jesus wash his feet.
The true believer is washed from sins when he/she receives Christ as Lord and Savior for his/her salvation. To “wash our feet” is a reminder to repent and confess every sin we are convicted of from that point onwards, everything that would hinder us in our journey to become more like Jesus. Salvation comes through Jesus Christ and Sanctification (to be made holy) through the work of the Holy Spirit in us.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Pray for the spiritually lost among the global community in Shanghai; pray that they will be drawn to God by the Holy Spirit.
