Devo John 13:1-5, 13-17

1It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for
him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in
the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. 2The evening meal
was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of
Simon, to betray Jesus. 3Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his
power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4so he got up
from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.
5After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet,
drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
12When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned
to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them.
13”You call me ‘ Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14Now
that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one
another’s feet. 15I have set you an example that you should do as I have done
for you. 16I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a
messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17Now that you know these
things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Meditation
1. Jesus’ Last Supper begins with profound lessons in humility and baptism.
Notice the incredible extent of Jesus’ love, the ignorance of human
responses, and the immensity of Christ’s servanthood.
2. Think over the definition of Service – Loving, thoughtful, active promotion
of the good of others and the causes of God in our world, through which
we experience the many little deaths of going beyond ourselves. (Spiritual
Formation Bible)
3. Reflect: Is humility the trademark for my service? Talk to God and wait for
His response.

Personal Note:
Do I really value others above myself?  Am I really to sacrifice my time, energy, money, reputation, and convenience for the sake of modelling Jesus Christ to the people I serve?  Why am I hesitant at times to care and go out of the way to serve my brothers and sisters?  I thank God for His word to remind me that my leadership is great when I model Jesus Christ's humble leadership.

Passion Week Devo: John 13:1-17

John 13

Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet

 1 It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. 2 The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

 8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

   Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

 10 Jesus answered, “A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

 12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Personal Note:
The greatest thing I can do for others is to serve people with humility.  Jesus Christ knows his mission and he served the world by sacrificing himself as the atonement for sins.