“You Should Also Do

As I Have Done To You”

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hand, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!”Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord – and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.

John 13:3-15

In one of his last conversations with His disciples, Jesus wanted to show them the full extent of His love for them. So, at their last meal, he took off His outer garment, wrapped a towel around His waist, and did what servants did. He washed their feet. It was an act of servant hood and a symbol that pointed to Jesus’ sacrifice, passion, and humiliation on the cross. He wanted them to do the same for others.

Imagine how different our world would be if we gave the kind of love that God has given us through Jesus.

To know love, open your heart to Jesus. To show love, open your heart to others.

Our Daily Bread – June 2, 2009