The Way Of Blessing

The Way of Blessing

John 13:12-20, NIV

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. 18I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill this passage of Scripture: ‘He who shared my bread has turned against me.’ 19I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am. 20Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.”

Setting the Scene

Apart from the brief exchange with Peter, little was said during the time Jesus went from disciple to disciple around the table, washing feet. But after those moments of action came the teaching. Jesus asked them a question he didn’t expect them to answer. His question was another way to say, “You must understand what I have done for you.”

First Jesus affirmed Peter’s impulse: “You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am” (John 13:13, NKJV). Then he used that fact as a basis for his instruction—if he could wash their feet, they ought to wash one another’s feet. “I have set you an example,” Jesus said, “that you should do as I have done for you.” Jesus explains the obvious: “No servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.” He seems to be pointing out that there are distinctive roles within the Kingdom (servants, masters, messengers), yet no one is exempt from the duty of service. No menial task (foot washing being the example) is too low or insignificant to be out of the question for those with the most elevated responsibilities. If the Lord of lords didn’t hesitate to put on the towel and do the work, neither should his followers.

Verse 17 gives a lasting challenge: “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” Conversely, if we claim to understand what God says but don’t put it into practice, we will not be blessed. Knowledge without application has limited benefits. We may be deeply moved along with the disciples in visualizing the servant example of Jesus, but if we do not respond to the needs around us, we have wasted a teachable moment.

Getting Personal

When have you received unexpected service?

What settings might give you opportunity for service?

We cross a significant threshold in spiritual maturity when we set aside our own needs and desires and watch for God’s direction in meeting the needs of others.

Talking to God

Acknowledge your human tendency to focus on your own needs. Ask God to give you a central focus of worshiping him and enjoying his presence, and a secondary focus on the needs of those around you.