Jesus washed His disciples feet...yeah, yeah, we know...that has been my very poor attitude at times as I have recounted this part of Easter week. But more than once during this week, I have been moved by the idea that Jesus washed ALL of His disciples feet, even the man that would betray him.
I invite you to read all of this account in John 13: 1-17.
Verse 2 tells us that "the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus." So think about Judas coming to this Passover meal knowing what was already stirred in his heart and what he was planning to do to this Man who loved him. My mind races with questions: has Jesus not been abundantly good to you, Judas? Have you seen His power as you've watched His miracles? Can't you see the love that He has for YOU in His eyes? Yet, he would betray Him anyway.
The next verse lets us know that Jesus already knew that it was Judas who would betray Him, and being fully man and God, He must have struggled with what he was about to do. I am about to wash the feet of my betrayer. So, Jesus remembered what He had come to earth for in the first place. For verse 3 tells us, "Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God."
The next word is the absolute most powerful word to me in this whole passage: "So," Or we might say "because He knew this," because he know that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God "...he got up from the meal and wrapped a towel around his waist." Scripture doesn't say that He jumped up because he just couldn't wait to go wash Judas' feet! He wasn't thrilled about this part. I can imagine as He was walking to wash the first disciple's feet, He was probably praying and asking for strength. Jesus knew that he would be knelt before Judas, looking like a lowly servant, on the floor, peering up into Judas' eyes. What would Jesus see in those eyes? Yet, he first remembered Whose work He was doing on this earth. He remembered that all things were under Jesus' power -- he could have struck Judas down right then and there for doing what he did. And Jesus knew that soon He would be returning to God. This man, Judas, would be responsible for beginning that process that would ultimately lead to Jesus death in just a matter of a day or two. Despite all this, Jesus took that towel, moved from where He was sitting, and washed each and every one of the disciples' feet...anyway.
That is our God. Do you see this picture? Can you put yourself in His place and try to think of what emotions you would feel? After all you've done and how deeply you've loved this person who has been following you, talking with you daily, probably even shared some good belly laughs with you. But he's about to hand you over to die. This, loved ones, is what sets our God apart. He was a servant to all.
Today, this incomprehensibly powerful God and unbelievably humble man is going to die...for you.
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