A Lenten Devotion for Saturday, March 8
- ontrakk
- Mar 8
- 1 min read
John 13:2-5
The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 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.
Jesus was not just being polite and helpful toward the disciples. I believe he was modeling something much more important for them and for us. The fuller meaning and the enormity of this act would not be evident for some time. Jesus knew the disciples well, and knew already they would fall short of what he would like them to be. Yet he washed their feet. He sacrificed himself. Knowing. He did not measure out who deserved what, and serve each accordingly.
Holy Lord, help me to give without measuring, serve without judging, and in all my actions, be more like Jesus. Amen
Becky, transforming
John 13:2-5
This is such a humbling and powerful act. The demonstration of love is beyond amazing and an example of his unconditional love for all, even those who have strayed so far away and are under satan’s spell.
Heavenly Father, thank you for washing away my sin, for your mercy and for your Grace. I pray that you will help me to be a forgiving soul always. Amen.
John 13:2-5
Even Judas. As Jesus set the example of pure servanthood for the disciples in the washing of feet, no one was left out, not even Judas. Jesus knew full well what was coming for him and he knew Judas' part in all of it--still he washed his feet. No one should be left out no matter what. This is the very difficult lesson we are being taught here. I am sure I would not have been so kind or so forgiving. With this act, Jesus forgave Judas.
Prayer: Gracious God, you've set an example so difficult to follow. May I learn and remember, no one should be left out and everyone should b forgiven! AMEN
Saturday, March 8th, 2025 (4th day of lent)
John 13:2-5
During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, 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, 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.
Considering the way in which feet are physically the lowest , dirty part of the body, not to mention the humble…
John 13:2-5
Reading Lucado’s vision of this episode in the upper room helped me see it in a fresh and powerful way. My guess is that every one of the apostles, right up until the day each one was martyred for the cause of Christ, deeply regretted fully understanding the gravity of that moment. In retrospect, that single episode, rather than the many miracles they witnessed, may have fueled their zealous dedication to carrying out Jesus’ Great Commission. Lucado’s simple sentence is very powerful: “Hands that shaped the stars now wash away filth.” They continue to do so, if we let Him.
Prayer - Humble Jesus, dare I ask you to wash away my filth? I must, because I am…