John 13 Commentary
The Christian walk makes your feet dirty. They must be washed. As Jesus has washed my feet I must wash my brother’s feet. We can think of forgiveness. Uncleanliness refers to sin.
But who wouldn’t want to talk about Jesus’ humility here? You have everything under your feet, including the prince of this world, yet you stoop down to wash Peter’s feet! It takes humility to forgive a brother or a sister.
“Who do you think you are?…” This phrase comes with arrogance and pride – even when we are nothing and don’t have what we think we have. Granted, albeit imagined, you are tops and have everything; power, authority, money, looks, connections, and righteousness among others, the example of Jesus commands you to stoop down and wash your sister’s feet.
How do you behave towards the people below you, at Church, work, home, or school?
Many talk of a door for Satan. Judas Iscariot had one: His stealing and his greediness. “He was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it”. Chapter 12 verse 6. Judas’ case wasn’t like mine or yours – an occasional and deeply regretted moment of madness when we have touched things we shouldn’t have touched.
Yet he was trusted with the money bag! And Jesus knew it! Very strange!
Then comes the Peter show: His doubts, curiosity, and child-like faith – his everything. An interesting character. Thanks to his character, we have answers to many questions. We know the deeper meaning of the ‘washing’ here simply because Peter’s mind spiraled wildly out of place. The identity of the traitor is also known because of Peter’s curiosity. There is a place for curiosity in the kingdom of God!
Not every believer receives instructions from the LORD peacefully!
Here is the formula. First, glorify God; second, God will glorify Himself through you. Verses 31 and 32. Check how Jesus brings glory to God! What a way to describe glory!
Where Jesus has gone, there we shall go also. Let the saint stay calm and assured. For those who have longed for Jesus’ Presence, death isn’t anything to be feared. They cannot wait!
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