He is Good

Scripture Reading: John 13:1-11

The story of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet is one of those iconic texts that are full of meaning. Studying it is like looking at a diamond, turning it over in your hand, and seeing its beauty from different angles. One of the things that enthrall me in this is how Jesus was able to lovingly serve the disciples while knowing the treachery that would ensue in a few hours. Peter would deny Him. They would all flee in fear. Worst of all, Judas would betray Him into the hands of those who sought to take His life. Still, he picked up the towel and basin and stooped down to wash their feet.

There was an old Dennis the Menace cartoon that portrayed Dennis and his friend Joey leaving Mrs. Wilson’s house with cookies in their hands. Joey says to Dennis, “I wonder what we did to deserve this?” Dennis answers, “Look, Joey, Mrs. Wilson gives us cookies, not because we’re nice, but because she’s nice.”

Jesus stoops to serve us by washing us from the filth of sin. He does this, not because we are nice, but because He is love.