THE REAL REASON WHY
JESUS WASHES THE DISCIPLE’S FEET
BY DR. MERVYN ABREO
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Not just a study in humility, but a deeper
and more profound revelation for the Lord’s behavior on the eve of His death!
And the reason? - Truly mind boggling.
Two reasons, each at a different level, but
subtly linked.
THE OBVIOUS SUPERFICIAL REASON: Throughout
His life Jesus taught about humility, Himself living a humble life, subservient
to the Father. (Servant hood).
“If anyone wants to be first, he must be the
very last, and the servant of all.” (Mk.9: 33-37).
And our very salvation depends on it:
“For the Lord takes delight in His people; he crowns the humble with
salvation.’’ (Psalm. 149:4).
THE DEEPER/HIDDEN REASON:
In
the Gospel of John, Jesus is preparing to wash the disciples’ feet.
He
comes to Peter, who is confused, because the same Lord, Who had drilled the
importance of humility in them, now wants to wash their feet, rather than the
other way around.
So Jesus assures him. “You do not
realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
What
was it that Peter and the disciples could not understand at that juncture, but
would comprehend later? Was it a lesson in humility? Definitely not! Jesus’
stand on humility was clear, not hidden in parables that needed explanation.
And when later? He was heading for the cross.
But
in spite of Jesus reasoning with him, Peter still refuses to allow the Lord to
wash his feet.
Therefore Jesus warns Peter: “Unless I
wash you, you have no part with Me.” (‘Wash’ allegorically meaning a spiritual
cleansing).
Strong
words! An emphatic warning is being given by the Lord. And just before His
crucifixion. At this last stage, Jesus was not concentrating on character
building (servant hood), but rather on something of much greater importance and
significance.
Instead
of focusing on the actions of the Lord, which gives us the impression that He
is giving them another lesson in humility, focus instead on the reaction of the
disciples. And the reason for their reaction.
They
did not want to be served was not because they were humble.
Rather
because they were proud. And their actions stemmed from pride. And that is exactly what Jesus wanted them to
realize, understand and learn: to truly humble themselves, realize their
helplessness, and let Him serve them.
His ministry and life were soon coming to an
end. He was heading to the cross. And He had to teach them the last and most
important lesson of their lives: to learn to be served by Him, not only in the
natural, by having their feet washed by Him, (which was an allegory for
something deeper), but in the supernatural, by allowing Him to wash their sins
by His blood, which He would shed for them, and for us, on the cross.
And
they, and we, would have to humble ourselves and unconditionally accept His
blood, and His free gift of salvation. And not try and attain it on our own by
our good works, which are like filthy rags in front of Him.
And
that was the lesson he was teaching His disciples, and us, just before His
death.
And
therefore, we now see the above Scripture (Psalm.149:4), in a completely new
light: “For the Lord takes delight in His people; He crowns the humble with salvation”.
We receive His free gift of salvation by
humbling ourselves and unconditionally accepting His provision for salvation
AN EXAMPLE IN OUR OWN LIVES:
The
pastor or priest is unwell and has to be looked after by Church members. They
readily come and do the chores and whatever else is necessary.
Now
what happens if a poor member of the Church is in the same situation, and the
pastor or priest have to minister to this poor brother or sister? How
uncomfortable would this poor soul be!
................................................................
Dear friend,
I
look forward to getting your feedback. Do write in to me at:
dr
…………………………………………..
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