Maundy Thursday - Jesus the Servant

Goes along with Adult Devotion of the same title.

Jesus would never hesitate to wash our stinky feet.

Read John 13:1-17.

Bible Focus: “[Jesus] rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” -John 13:4-5

Your feet are gross. They smell, they get dirt stuck between the toes, they grow fungus - no one wants to touch your feet.

Jesus, however, would wash your stinky feet for you. That’s what he did for the disciples on Maundy Thursday. Their feet were probably even worse than yours; they wore sandals and walked everywhere in the heat. Yet, Jesus chose to wash his disciples’ feet.

Picture it: Jesus, the King who was welcomed into Jerusalem by cheering crowds just a few days ago, was on his knees, doing a humiliating, disgusting job for his sinful followers.

Jesus explained it in this way:

“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should also do just as I have done to you.” (John 13:14-15)

This humble act by the King of Kings, making himself a servant to his own disciples, was an example for us. We, too, should serve those who have the stinkiest of feet and the worst of sins. 

The bullies? Show them compassion. The cheaters? Show them understanding. Your friends who talk about you behind your back? Show them love. After all, Jesus washed the feet of every single one of his disciples, including Judas, who was about to betray him. And he would wash our feet, too. He loves us, no matter how stinky our feet - or our sins - are.

Your Maundy Thursday challenge:

Smell your socks when you take them off tonight, and remember that Jesus loves you, no matter how stinky they are.

Please pray:

Dear Jesus, I praise you for being my Servant King. I confess that I don’t always follow your example. Thank you for showing me what to do, and forgiving me when I don’t do it. I ask that you would help me love other people like you love me. In your name I pray, Amen.