the behavior of true love (part 1)

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. The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

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.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. (John 13:1-17)

This is quite a humbling passage to read, isn't it? Can you even imagine God in human form washing your dirty feet? Can you visualize Jesus taking off His coat, pulling up His sleeves and wrapping a towel around his waist similar to how a waiter might tie on his apron? Can you envision Him filling a bowl with warm, soothing water, placing your rough, smelly feet inside it, and massaging away all the filth and grime as you relax and enjoy His pampering?

In this passage, we see the eternal, almighty King of kings choosing to gird Himself as a slave. For us, he chooses to get down on both knees and serve rather than be served. Here, we witness the Messiah intentionally lowering his noble stature so that His beloved friends and followers may be renewed and refreshed... so that each disciple may know their Master's touch while He purifies their footsteps with His cleansing love. What an amazing God! And how precious we are to Him.

Incredible!

Ladies, for the next few days, I think we should linger in these verses and pause to consider just how much Jesus really loves us. In these important scriptures, the Savior exemplifies His complete adoration, explains His necessary plan, and then exhorts us to follow His sacrificial Way. Yes, here we clearly see the Light of the world demonstrating His love of a lifetime. And He willingly does this as our Teacher, showcasing that true love is not merely an emotion, but an attitude... a choice that produces godly action.

Here, God instructs His every follower and disciple to focus on the most menial and lowly of tasks in order to teach us how perfect love behaves. Indeed, these verses have much to offer us. There is a lot here to absorb! But if we are to be messengers of the Savior in any capacity, we must learn to love as He loves. We must live as Christ teaches us.

Let's meditate over these verses in John 13. Let's ask the Holy Spirit to put into proportion our prideful human "entitlements" in contrast to the Master's hands-on display of service and true love. Our perfect Teacher is here with towel and basin in hand. He is ready to teach us the behavior of true love. So, are you ready to receive His holy and renewing pedi-CURE? I sure am! Today, let's prepare our hearts in prayer so that we may further dip our toes into His soothing Word.

Until tomorrow... all praise and glory and honor to our wonderful, loving God! Blessed be His Name!

XOXOXOXOXOX!

Blessings!

~Victoria

© The Devoted Woman | Victoria Anderson