DAY 5 - APR 6

PREPARATION

For one minute, take deep breaths and stay silent. Breathe out the cares of the day upon the Lord. Breathe in the peace of God.

PRAYER

Our Father in heaven, 

You are holy and above all,

Bring your kingdom in me, through me, and around me today,

May your good will come today just like heaven,

Give me simply what I need for today,

Forgive my sins as I forgive those who have sinned against me,

Lead me away from temptation and protect me from the evil one,

To you alone receive the power, glory, and honor forever. Amen. 

SCRIPTURE READING: John 13:1-20

COMMENTARY

From the beginning of John’s gospel, he emphasizes Jesus is the only Son of God who was sent by the Father to embrace the human experience (John 1:14). There were many moments in Jesus’ human life where he claimed his “hour had not yet come” (John 2:4). In Jesus’ washing of his disciples’ feet, we see his hour had finally come. It was time to descend to death through the cross and ultimately ascend through the resurrection to his Father. John highlights that Jesus had “loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end” (John 13:1). Jesus’ knowledge that he was going to the cross for those he loved drove his humble washing of his friends’ feet.

In Jewish culture, the servant of the household washed the feet of guests. Strangely, this did not take place at the Last Supper. Instead, Rabbi Jesus wrapped a towel around his waist and began to scrape the caked dirt off his disciples’ feet. On this night of his betrayal, Jesus served his friends. He loved them to the end even though, sadly, they did not. In fact, in this same room that Jesus washed his beloveds’ feet, he also predicted that every single one of his friends would abandon him (Matthew 26:31). Humility and washing of others’ feet are the examples Jesus gives to his followers. Through this example, Jesus shows us what true love and sacrifice looks like (John 13:14). Division and bitterness have no place amongst Jesus’ followers. Only selfless love that drives one to lay their life down for others is acceptable in the kingdom of God (John 15:13). 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

- Inward: Is there a particular way that you can invite Jesus to “wash your feet” today? Maybe an area in your life that you know you need his grace and kind touch.

- Outward: Ask God to recall a brother or sister who you normally do not “wash their feet.” How can you encourage, pray for, or be a humble blessing to them today? 

KIDS REFLECTION QUESTIONS

- Parents and Children: If you are able, take a few minutes to wash one another’s feet as an act of love and selflessness.

PROMISE
“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” – Romans 5:8

PRAYER
Jesus, thank you for your love for me today.

May I receive your love as I go about my daily tasks.

May I submit to your kingship as I walk in your kingdom.

May I be filled with your Spirit as I follow you.

May your kingdom come and will be done in my life today.