You call me, ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord.’ You say so correctly, for so I am. John 13:13 WEB
In the time of Jesus’ ministry, as through most of history, washing another person’s feet showed lower status. In chapter thirteen of John, during the evening meal, Jesus arose to wash the feet of his disciples. At first, Simon Peter refused to allow Jesus to do this. Jesus responded to him saying in John 13:8, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me. WEB”
In his statement, “You call me, ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord.’ You say so correctly, for so I am,” Jesus makes clear that he is not denying that he is Lord. Instead, Christ is emphasizing what it means to be Lord. As he says in Matthew 23:11, “But he who is greatest among you will be your servant. WEB” It is worldly to rule over others. It is Godly to serve our fellow man.
A Ransom for Many
Matthew 20:25 records these words of Christ, “You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. WEB” After that, Jesus states what it means to serve God saying in Matthew 20:27-28, “Whoever desires to be first among you shall be your bondservant, even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. WEB”
These statements help us understand why Jesus washed his disciple’s feet. Although he is Lord, his purpose on earth was to cleanse us from sin. He came to pay the price for our sins, making a way for us to be reconciled to God. To be like our loving Savior, we must follow his example and serve others.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the example and words of Jesus Christ, my teacher and Lord. Give me wisdom to understand your will. Help me to serve in a way that pleases you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Justified by Faith
