Scripture: “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14 NIV).
He came not as the “Conquering King,” but as the “Suffering Servant” (Isa. 53). He came in lowliness of heart and mind. He did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. The humility expressed by his act was shown with a basin and a towel. This foreshadows his ultimate act of humility and love shown by his sacrifice.
He stooped to lower himself and wash his disciples’ feet. This represents the sinner when he first comes to Christ for the washing of his sins. No other act can cleanse us further from our sins. He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable toHim and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness] (2 Cor. 5:21 Amp. Bible).
“For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15).
In the washing of his disciples’ feet, Jesus is teaching us how we should serve. We are to emulate him. By serving one another in lowliness of heart and mind, and esteeming one another higher than ourselves, we show a level of humility, love, and respect. This addresses the condition of the heart. We should not think more highly of ourselves than others. But, we should encourage each other and build one another up, which shows a level of humility and respect for the well-being of others. Likewise, the same duties that Christ performed are mutual.
Those whom Christ loves, he loves forever. Nothing can separate a true believer from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. All whom Christ owns he justifies and sanctifies. Thus, we are washed after we accept Christ as our Savior.
“If you know these things, happy are ye if you do them” (John 13:17).
Ministry demands a level of decrease in ones-self-life. Every person who has been chosen by God is brought to the fullness of Christ. We must humble ourselves and bow with our hearts in line with Christ. Jesus asked the question, “Who is greater? The one who sits at the table, or the one who serves?” He then replied, “I am among you as one who serves” (Luke 22:27 NIV).
In humility and love, Jesus washed his disciple’s feet and then sat at the feast. He even washed and fed Judas, which represents the ultimate test of humility. The test is custom designed to the continuity of our weaknesses. The teacher never focuses on the things that you’re good at. He focuses on your weaknesses. The test is designed to challenge your weaknesses. Your maturity level has excelled when you can wash the feet of your enemy, and then invite him to sit for a bite to eat. This is the truest test of unconditional love.
(Background Scriptures: John 13:1-30)
May the eyes of your understanding be enlightened, that you may come to know the glorious riches in Christ.
Much love and many blessings,
Jeanie Martin Ministries 
That makes sense. Thank you.
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Good evening Kip. It makes sense to me as well. Especially sense we are to be imitators of God (Eph. 5:1). We should strive to be more giving of ourselves. It’s all about love, caring and sharing. Thank you for your comment. I appreciate it.
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Excellent exhortation and encouragement to live in truth.
Sadly, so many, myself included, don’t truly “live the life” to a very high degree, perhaps because in our day and age, “faith” and “Church” are things we add on to our hectic, busy lives, rather than becoming our very lives.
It’s good to see some “meat” like this.
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Good eveing Geno. I agree with you. We are all so busy at this time in our lives. But we must make it a point not to neglect our spiritual life, which is more important than the stress that we subject ourselves to everyday. Once you put God first everything else in your life will line up accordingly (Matt. 6:33). Spending along time with God is vital as well as rewarding. Thank you your comment Geno. Enjoy your evening.
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Reblogged this on 50Gray&Natural.
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Good evening Olivia! I can always count on you to share. Thank you very much. I greatly appreciate you. Sharing is caring! May God bless you.
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I have chosen YOU as a nominee for the “Very Inspiring Blogger Award”. I truly enjoy reading your blog postings and hope that you will click the following link to acknowledge the nomination. I encourage you to keep being the AWESOME writer that you are. I look forward to being blessed by your future blogs!
~ Angela
http://putittogether4u.wordpress.com/2014/06/08/what-an-honor-thank-you-for-the-very-inspiring-blogger-award-nominations/
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Good morning Angela,
I hereby accept the nominating. I am both honored and pleased to follow through with the rules and requirements which accompanies the acceptance of the “Very Inspiring Bloggers Award” nomination. Again “Thank You!”
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Good morning, Evangelist Shepard!
You’re very welcome. I am looking forward to more from you!
Have a blessed week ahead!
~ Angela
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Hello Jeanie, You found the heart of this passage and the core meaning of being a Christian: follow Jesus. When He said ‘follow Me’ He meant live as I live. We think, that’s impossible, but Jesus thought it was possible. He knew we’d have the indwelling Holy Spirit and the word of God to guide, empower, and instruct us.
Our pride and our focus on the things of this life are the greatest hindrances we face.
Thanks for this encouragement.
May God bless your WP ministry 😉
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Reblogged this on Jeanie Shepard Ministries.
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I pray the people of God can practice this type of humility that Jesus displayed. We really need to love each other and serve each other.
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Hello Moriah! Thank you. I stand in agreement with you on your prayer. God is love and without God we cannot love others. We all need God.
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