They were all at the supper table. Jesus got up, placed his outer clothes aside. He poured clean water into a basin. He then started to wash his disciples’ dusty feet.
Surely it must have been embarrassing to let their master touch their dusty feet. However, they let him go ahead with this menial task – until Jesus came to Peter.
When it was Peter’s turn, he protested. Maybe, behind his words were thoughts like this: “Lord, there’s no way I will let you touch my dusty feet. You know I’ve been a fisherman. My feet have been hurt and they’re messy, my heels are so rough. Why? Besides, you are my Lord. You will never, ever wash the mess off my feet.” It sounds like humility, right?
However, the Lord Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.”
Do you think the deeper message Jesus really wanted Peter to hear was this? “Come on, Peter, I need you to lay down what’s hindering you from receiving what I have to offer. Is it pride? Or unbelief? Does it sound too good to be true?
“Before I return to the Father, I need you to get this. I need you to yield your human will to the divine will. “Your feet are never too messy for me. I’m ready to do the work. I can heal your heart. I can make you as white as snow.”
Finally, Peter said “Master! Not only my feet, then. Wash my hands! Wash my head!”
Peter received the love of Christ so he could share the good news in the Spirit of Christ.
Father God, I ask you to help me lay down anything that hinders me from receiving the love of Christ in its full capacity. Grant me power to do everything in the Spirit of Christ.
Throughout this day: Is there something you need to receive from the Master? Maybe it’s healing, forgiveness, or you name it. He is loving enough to give you life. Or is he nudging you to roll up your sleeves and use your time, finances or anything else to serve in His Kingdom? Think about this.