Now that the public revelation has taken place it is time for the Messiah to “return to the Father”. Jesus knew that the Father had given Him authority over everything and that He had come from God and would return to God. Knowing that, Jesus took off His robe, wrapped a towel around His waist and began to wash the disciples’ feet. Only the One who truly knows himself can humble himself in this way. You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will. He tells them they ought to wash each other’s feet, following His example. Remember this is the Messiah, who John has told us knows what’s inside a man (or woman). This One is He who can say I know the ones I have chosen . . . one who eats My food has turned against Me . . . I tell you the truth, one of you will betray Me.
Wow hang on. Let’s think about this. He washed the disciples’ feet all the while knowing that one of them would betray him. In fact He looked deep down into Judas heart and knew all about him and yet still washed his feet. That’s right! While the text doesn’t say He washed Judas feet directly, Judas was one of the disciples and it tells us he washed the disciples’ feet. So that includes Judas; that’s huge.
In fact Jesus said I tell you this beforehand, so that when it happens you will believe that I AM the Messiah. John 13:19. Hang on a moment didn’t it all happen at the Triumphal Entry? Now all of Israel knows that Christ is the Messiah. No, there is more to the story. Oh yes there are lots of statements made about what they believe and what they know but it is all part of the process. Hang on to your hat or your seat if you don’t wear a hat. There is more to come.
My next series I gain from Regina Brett, 90 years old, in The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio “To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. “
I, Ian, will share one a day over the following Gems.
Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
Regina Brett