Can you imagine what it must have been like for Jesus to wash the feet of the disciples? Really. Putting ourselves in their position, the best we can, we can imagine that must have brought on some feelings of resistance.
The Messiah kneeling to clean our feet. Our feet are arguably one of the most exposed parts of our body. Exposed to dirt and the wear of the day. Yet this is the illustration chosen to display humility, service, and compassion. The washing of feet was an act of service, traditionally done in this time by a servant, used to demonstrate the willingness of Jesus to serve others and set an example for anyone who followed Him.
We find this story in the Word of God in John 13:1–15. I always encourage us to open our Bibles to read the text for ourselves. Inviting God to speak uniquely and intimately to each of us beyond our devotion together.
I wanted to use this particular example today because it especially stood out to me as I was looking through the Bible for examples of being humble receivers of love. We talk often about the humble example of Jesus in serving the disciples through this story, but I want us to pay particular attention today to how it must have felt to be the receiver of this service as a disciple.
There may have been feelings of embarrassment, resistance, and maybe even uncertainty of what was happening. I can imagine a feeling of desire to not receive but to instead switch places and wash the feet of Jesus. I could see myself feeling that way.
In today’s podcast episode, we talk about the importance of not only serving others but also how God’s design for relationships includes being humble receivers of service and love from others. Without understanding the importance of receiving love and service, we withhold part of God’s great plan from happening.
I hope you’ll join us today over on the Wheatful Woman podcast for more and enjoy the free printable download below to go deeper in your quiet place with the Lord and how He may be leading you to fix your eyes on Him and His design for us as humble receivers.
- Britt Goff #wheatfulwednesday #wheatfulwomanpodcast
More to reflect on:
- How do you think you would have felt, in the place of a disciple, if Jesus bent down to wash your feet?
- In what ways might Jesus be trying to “wash your feet” right now? How might Jesus be showing you compassion, humility, and ultimately expressing His attention and care towards you?
- Use this space to write a prayer of thanksgiving to Jesus for His example of humility in service and your desire to be a humble receiver.
Go deeper with us today
Join us for our “Wheatful Woman” podcast episode
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Wheatful Woman: the term we use to describe our community of women based on our founding verse Psalm 81:16. God created us for personal relationship with Him and relationship with one another. We pray W&HC would be a place you find resources to dwell in God's goodness, the hope found in His love and to get connected with other women walking with Him.
Our Founding Verse: Psalm 81:16 ESV But he would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.