Advent Devotions

Today’s author is Prince of Peace member, Joyce Armstrong. 

John 13: 1-17

Today’s scripture is a brief well-known passage recorded only by John in chapter 13 verses 1 through seventeen.

This is a private, precious, personal time with Jesus and his disciples. John introduces it by mentioning two things: (1) this takes place before the Passover and (2) Jesus knows his time on earth is coming to an end.

I pictured Jesus looking at the men whom he has loved and lived with for three years. They’re like brothers. He knows their future and probably weeps over them and yet rejoices in the faith they will eventually share and show to the world.

The disciples are probably enjoying this evening of conversation and fellowship and a meal together. We don’t know if they wonder about the future or are just content to be with Jesus. They don’t understand what Jesus is preparing them to do in the future, even though Jesus has had some serious discussions with them.

Something new is about to happen. A new experience for these men. Jesus removes his robe and wraps a towel around his waist and begins to wash their feet.

At first all was quiet. They seem to be shocked into silence. No one jumped up and offered to help for any other activity. They would be ready to help, but not this time.

Have you ever had someone wash your feet? I have had two experiences years ago. My mom was at our home to help out while I was recuperating from back surgery. At that time they required more bedrest. My mom came into my room, prepared to wash my feet. I said, “No way!” My feet were not dirty. I was not letting her do that. She said it will feel so good. What a humbling experience and it did feel good.

Another experience was at a Cursillo Spiritual weekend. I was on the kitchen team. You can guess what that meant! Three meals a day plus clean-up. On our last night, we were just finishing up. Into the kitchen came the women from the prayer team armed with bowls of water and towels, ready to wash our feet. How unworthy we felt and how good we felt!

Imagine how the disciples felt. They saw their master/teacher doing the most menial task a person can do–washing their feet! They could hardly believe it. No one but the lowliest servant would wash feet.

Apparently all remained quiet until it was Peter‘s turn. We would have guessed he would be the one to object: “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus gives him an ultimatum: “If I do not wash your feet. You have no part in me.” Peter is still not finished:  “Please wash my hands and head.” I can almost see a smile on Jesus’ face when he says “all you need is your feet washed”. I can also picture the other disciples sitting quietly thinking, “Peter sit down and be quiet.” Jesus is the one to sit down and put his robe on. He acknowledged to them that he is teacher and Lord. Since he has served them by washing their feet, they should do likewise. “Be a servant?” They are puzzled. “Wash whose feet?”

They thought they were being trained to help set up his kingdom and now Jesus talks about being servants.

Jesus is confident he knows when the time comes for him to send the Holy Spirit that they will gladly wash feet. The disciples will eventually serve the early church faithfully; they will suffer during this, but will preach and teach joyfully.

Have you seen anyone washing feet? Have you read the newspaper or watched the news and seen people bringing food and necessities to neighbors? They are washing feet! 

Have you seen reports of teachers who not only teach but care for the frightened children in their class? Washing feet!

Have you seen bags and boxes of food and school supplies in the entry of our church? Someone has been washing feet. 

Have you seen children on Sunday morning as they eagerly go to their class? Someone washes their feet.

The call has gone out for volunteers to visit our shut-ins who will wash feet.

Jesus said to his disciples and to us: “You also ought to wash one another’s feet…for I have given you an example that you should do as I have done to you…blessed are you if you do them.”

Matthew 25:40
“In as much as you did to the one of the least of these…you did to me.”

Dear God, we thank you for the thousands of people in our world who are this day washing feet. Amen.