In this passage, we see Jesus doing the lowly job of washing his disciples’ feet.
That included Peter, who Jesus knew would deny him. That included Judas, who Jesus knew would betray him. And that included the other ten disciples, who Jesus knew would run away when he was arrested.
That is incredible humility and love. What was at the base of that humility and love?
John tells us.
Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into his hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God. (John 13:3)
Jesus knew his position with the Father. That he was beloved. And that the Father had given him all authority.
Jesus knew where he came from. That it was the Father who had sent him.
Jesus knew where he was going. That though he would die on a cross, he would return to the Father.
We all want to be like Jesus. To love as he did. To forgive as he did. To serve as he did. But do we have the foundation that he had?
Do we know our position with the Father? That we are beloved? That we have received the right to be a child of God (John 1:12, 1 John 3:1-2)?
Do we know where we came from? That we were specially created by him (Psalm 139)? That God himself sends us out to be his ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:18-21)?
Do we know where we’re going? That because Jesus rose from the dead, we too have the hope of resurrection and eternal life.
And though we may have troubles and sorrows in this life, do we know that Jesus has overcome the world, and we will go to be with him someday? (John 14:2-3, John 16:33)
Read these passages this week. Meditate on them. And remember your foundations.
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 