John-Truly Clean
Orient John 13:1-38
Starting in chapter 13, we enter the second section of the book of John. Through chapter 17, we will be in the “Farewell Discourse.” In these four chapters, readers get an inside look at the service, teaching, and prayers of Christ in the final hours Jesus spends with His followers before His arrest and crucifixion. Today’s narrative happens the Thursday of Passion week in the Upper Room. Jesus uses the symbolism of cleansing to show His followers their need for His sacrifice. The group of disciples are also cleansed as the betrayer, Judas, is removed from among them. The servanthood of Christ is highlighted as an example for us.
Introduction
I’m what you call low maintenance; I can slap on mascara and Chapstick and be ready to go. The only beauty service I make time for is a haircut every few months. I typically do my own pedicures and only go to the nail salon when I get a gift card. As I’ve come to learn, getting your feet done by a professional is about so much more than polish. They massage your calves, soak your feet in warm water, and remove dead skin from your feet. The first time I’d ever gotten a service I didn’t realize the technician would need access to my legs and wore jeans to my appointment! I missed out on a lot of the pampering because I didn’t know all the treatments that were included. The disciples are the same way. In going to celebrate the Passover Seder, they were surprised at the treatment they received as instead of the lowest servant in the house cleaning their feet, Jesus Himself did it. As the primary way to travel was on foot on dusty roads, cleaning feet before eating was a must as they would share a meal by reclining in close quarters. As you read about the sacrificial service of Christ, may you be reminded of His love for you and His desire that you by His example serve others on His behalf.
Opening Prayer
Lord, I desire a share of You. I come today in need of cleansing. I call You Teacher and Lord and I want to follow the patter You have given me. I am servant and You are my Master; You are greater. Bless this reading of Your word so I can take action, giving to others in humility. May all people know we are Your disciples because of our love for each other and our humility to serve. Amen
Meditation
Read and reread the following passage, taking God’s word in deeply. As you do be sensitive to a phrase or verse the Holy Spirit emphasizes to you personally.
13 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. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
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. 18 I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ 19 I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”
21 After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. 23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus' side, 24 so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” 28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.
31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
36 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” 37 Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”38 Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.
Paraphrase
Rewrite the phrase or verse that the Holy Spirit highlighted during meditation. What is your take away?
Reflect
1. In the very first verse, we read that Jesus loved His own who were in the world and that He loved them until the end. The implications of this statement are double-- Jesus was faithful to the end to go to the cross and is faithful to us until our earthly end until we transition to His kingdom. This verse shows the sacrifice of Jesus and how His love is demonstrated through action and sacrifice. When you doubt God’s love because of earthly circumstances or fluctuating emotions, does this verse give you renewed confidence in His love?
2. In verse 7, Jesus answered Peter incredulous disbelief that Jesus wanted to serve him. Sometimes we don’t understand the will of God in the moment, but do later on. In your life of faith, when has something been confusing but later became clear? How does that build your trust in God when He asks you to do something hard?
3. The washing we need is beyond physical cleansing and happens according to His mercy. We are regenerated and renewed by the Holy Spirit[1]. We don’t need to constantly become saved again as it is a “one and done” transaction by admitting your sin nature and need for a Savior. Though your forgiveness in Christ is complete, we are still called to regularly confess. We receive a once for all salvation but need a daily removal of sin. Is confession a regular part of your prayer life? If so why/why not? What benefits does this passage teach about confession to our spiritual life?
4. God is glorified when Jesus accomplished all that the Father gave Him to do. In the same way, we glorify Him when we bear fruit[2]. How has your life been displaying the greatness of God to others?
5. The greatest witness you can have is to love your church. If you do this well, Jesus says in verse 35 this will be a display of authentic discipleship to the watching world, proving we are truly His. How has loving your church been going?
Closing Prayer
Jesus, You have loved me to the end by going to the cross and promising Your presence as I await my entrance to Your kingdom. When life is hard, painful, or confusing let this truth give me endurance. When I don’t understand what You are doing in my life, let me wait patiently, trusting in Your goodness and love. Holy Spirit, renew me, in Your mercy regenerate the life of Christ in me. I confess my sins to You and receive forgiveness. I am cleansed from my sin and I rejoice! Give me strength to accomplish the work You have given me, may You receive all the glory. Above all, help me to love my brothers and sisters as I want those around me to see how true our unity is and be drawn to join our spiritual family.
Continue praying personally to the Lord with what He showed you during mediation and reflection.
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