Jesus answered him, “You don’t know what I am doing now, but you will understand later.” John 13:7 WEB
Jesus spent a great deal of time and effort preparing his disciples for their eventual task of spreading the gospel message. He had given them power to cast out demons and heal the sick. Jesus had demonstrated his ability to raise the dead with Lazarus and would soon show himself resurrected from the grave.
With this tremendous power, his disciples were filled with their own sense of prestige. Encountering Samaritan opposition, James and John asked the Lord in Luke 9:54, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from the sky and destroy them, just as Elijah did? WEB”
Jesus’ response is recorded in Luke 9:55-56 which reads, “But he turned and rebuked them, “You don’t know of what kind of spirit you are. For the Son of Man didn’t come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. WEB”
Humility and Love
Jesus was soon to go to the cross and after briefly revealing his resurrection to his disciples, return to his Father in heaven. The disciples needed to understand more than just the power and authority Christ gave them, they needed to understand humility and love. For this reason, Jesus clearly states in John 13:7, “You don’t know what I am doing now, but you will understand later. WEB”
And so, nearing the Passover feast, at the last supper, Jesus began to wash the feet of his disciples. Peter was shocked and did not want the Lord to humble himself in this way. But Jesus corrects Peter and demonstrates humility washing the feet of his followers. This is what Christ meant by saying, “you will understand later.” The disciples were called to live humble lives of service and love.
Jesus continues to teach in John 13:15 saying, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. WEB” And in John 13:34, Jesus says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. WEB” Performing the task of a servant and washing the feet of his followers, Jesus guided his disciples into a more mature understanding of humility, service, and love.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the example of love and humility you gave us in Jesus Christ. Thank you for my salvation. Cleanse me from all impurity. Guide me to live my life in service to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: He Who Remains in Love
