JOHN 13:13-14

“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.  Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.

TO PONDER 

Many churches refer to today as Maundy Thursday. Have you ever stopped to ask what Maundy means? It’s not a word I use in my vocabulary, except at this time of year, and even then, another denomination calls it ‘Holy Thursday’. 

The day is named appropriately. Maundy is derived from the Latin word for ‘command,’ and refers to Jesus' commandment to the disciples to ‘Love one another as I have loved you’. ‘

In our verse today, we see a glimpse of that love, and that is to wash each other’s feet. Really? 

But wait, there’s more. Washing can be a reminder of baptism, and in baptism, Jesus gives forgiveness of sins. Washing of the feet then, apart from being seen as serving, was a reminder of one’s baptism, and therefore a form of repentance. In our reading today, the example from Jesus is to forgive others. He knew what this week held. He knew what was going to occur soon. Yet, continues to instruct his disciples – that’s you and me - on living as children of God. How are you going with that living?     

PRAYER 

Lord, sometimes it’s hard to serve like you want us to, and to live a grace-filled life. So thank you that you allow us to keep trying. Walk alongside us as we strive for that unconditional love you’ve shown us. Amen  

Today's devotion written by Mark Simpfendorfer, LifeWay Epping