Daily writing prompt

What is something you wish you could tell your 20-year-old self?

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How did Jesus wash feet? We know the physical actions that Jesus took in order to do the task. But what were the inner actions that enabled Him to do such a humble thing?

John 13:3-5 describes three things:

1) Jesus knew “that the Father had put all things under His power.” He didn’t just know that intellectually, he knew it as direct personal revelation from and intimate communion with the Father. The greater our personal connection with and surrender to God, the greater will be our humility.

2) Jesus deeply understood that “He had come from God.” He didn’t need people’s approval or applause. He didn’t need human status. He didn’t need human ego. Being assured that He had His Father’s approval, Jesus could lay all pride down and fully embrace the deep humility of foot washing.

3) Jesus realized that “He was returning to God.” He was intently aware that His destiny was that one day every knee would bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. He wanted to show His first disciples and the rest of humanity that because of His confidence is in God the Father, He could humble Himself, so He washed feet and even surrendered to death on the Cross.

Since Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, we should wash one another’s feet but not merely as a ritual. We should embrace and live with the attitude of foot washing in all we say and do. But how can we?

We need to continually let the risen Jesus convince us of and demonstrate to us three things: 1) That God has all things under His feet, 2) That we are not our own — that we are bought with a price and are sent to be led by God the Holy Spirit instead of by our own thoughts, feelings, desires, and opinions, and 3) That our destiny is to be eternally with God — that this world isn’t our home, but we are here as ambassadors of Christ to represent the kingdom of His inner government by living under the direct authority and command of His presence within us.

When eyes are fixed on Jesus, hearts are on fire. Intently gaze at the risen Christ throughout each day. See Him who is invisible. Behold the Lamb of God.