¹ Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. ² During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, ³ Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, ⁴ rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. ⁵ 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.

¹² When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? ¹³ You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. ¹⁴ If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. ¹⁵ For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. ¹⁶ Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. ¹⁷ If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

Meditation

1. In the Last supper, Jesus acted out a lesson in servitude. Jesus also shows us the spirit he expects in those who follow him. Greatness in Christ’s eyes does not come from having many servants but from being the servant of many.
2. In your early spiritual life, who was one of the people that demonstrated to you what it means to “wash feet”?
3. How will you put Jesus’ teaching into practice in at least one relationship this week at home, work, or church?
4. Ask God to give you a humble spirit.

Suggestion for Family Devotional Time: In some Christian traditions literal foot-washing is practiced.  Have a “foot-washing” party at home today.  After everyone has washed and been washed, come back to share the experience.  What’s your feeling when you wash or being washed?  Why did Jesus do it?  What was he trying to teach his disciples?

Prayer & Journaling:  On your prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Proverbs for Today 11:1-4

¹ A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.  ² When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.  ³ The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.  ⁴ Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.