Scripture
John 13 13 It was just before the Passover Festival.
Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel round his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped round him.
Thoughts
Far too often I find it easy to dismiss someone who I believe wronged me, whether by their angry words, their accusations, or their coldness to me. If I am not careful, I will diminish them as a person, and view them as a one dimensional villain. But not as a child of God, created in His image, just like you and me.
As with everything Jesus did, there on that last night with the disciples Jesus teaches us how to love our enemies, not with empty words but with one of the most humbling deeds he could have done.
Jesus washed the disciples feet, including the feet of Judas. The same person he knew was going to betray him, and assist in his martyr’s death, he took the time to clean his dirty feet. For me, this is one of the most radical things Jesus ever did. It was one thing to wash the feet of those he knew would follow him, but to wash the feet of Judas with the same tenderness and care that he did the others demonstrates the depth and breadth of Jesus’ love for us. This act speaks to how much God wants to be in the same relationship as he was with Adam and Eve when they walked through the garden, the same relationship he had with Abraham and Moses.
Reflection
How can each of us surrender our anger, our frustration, our coldness towards those who we hold in contempt, and replace the anger, frustration and coldness with putting them in prayer at the feet of the Father.
Personal Prayer
Father, open my heart to love those in my life as you love them. May your spirit put them on my heart until I lift them up in prayer to you, and ask you to cover them with your peace, and fill their hearts with a deep love for you.
Shared Prayer Focus
Father, forgive us for our anger at each other, forgive our callous, offhanded dismissal of those we don’t agree with as if they are less than human.
Prayer Requests & Praise Reports
No matter how small, please reply with a praise report, and send any and all prayer needs!
