John 13 Reflection

Jesus knew his time on earth was limited and was fully aware of everything happening around him and what would happen to him. John 13 begins with the story of Jesus washing his disciples' feet. Even today, we don't want to wash, let alone touch, other people's feet because it is considered dirty and smelly. During the time of Jesus, people's feet were covered in mud, dirt, and feces, and if anyone washed someone else's feet, it was always someone of lower status. So when Jesus got down on the ground to wash his disciples' feet, the disciples were shocked and taken aback. Why would their Lord and Savior do such a lowly act? But Jesus reminds them that his role as their Master is not to make them feel inferior, but to serve in humility and sacrifice. Jesus shows by example that we, as Christians, should never feel "too good" for anything and that we are here to serve one another. Jesus also says, "the one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean," referring to our salvation and repenting for our sins daily.

Then Jesus predicts that one of his disciples will betray him. The disciples all stared at each other, not fully understanding what Jesus meant. Eventually, Judas, whom Jesus predicted would betray him, was filled with Satan and left in the darkness. Jesus then gives his disciples His final command. That is to love one another, just as Jesus loves us. How ironic that Jesus earlier washed his disciples' feet to show sacrifice and humility, and then commanded us to love one another. Jesus is showing us by example how to treat one another, how to sacrifice, and how love will show up in different ways, such as through patience and intentionality. 

When I reflect on myself, I wonder how much love I have for people. There are many days when I say in my own head, how much I hate people, and I am ashamed of my lack of love and patience toward them. This chapter really pushed me to reflect on how I need to change my views of people and show more humility and love, just as Jesus did for his disciples.

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