Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. John 13:16 NABRE
At the Passover meal, Jesus celebrates with His disciples, He performs an act that is both surprising and loving, He washes His disciples’ feet. The washing of feet is typically something done by slaves or servants when someone comes into the house after a journey. The roads are dusty and dirty, therefore feet will be quite dirty when arriving home, so a foot washing when someone arrives is the best means to clean up and make the home dweller or guest comfortable. Jesus’ washing His disciples’ feet establishes a model of relationship that is the opposite of culture. Jesus who is seen as the leader of the community takes on the role of servant and washes the feet of those who have been His companions. Through this act Jesus is saying many things; they are no longer servants but friends, it is not just servants who wash feet, those in positions of power also wash feet and washing the feet of others is an expression of love shared.
We read Jesus says no slave is greater than his master or messenger greater than the one who sent them. This seems the opposite of what culture may think, which is the master is greater than the slave as well as the one who sent the messenger is greater. Jesus wants His disciples to remember relationships are circular, there is not a top and bottom and though He seems to flip the hierarchy over in my places, He really intends for balance and equality. Even in the kingdom of God everyone is equal, there are not rulers and servants. Jesus often declares He and the Father are One, it is this circular relationship they live that Jesus hopes will be created in his followers.
Do you feel above others? Would you wash the feet of your friends?
Jesus intends for balance and equality, even in the kingdom of God everyone is equal, there are not rulers and servants. Jesus often declares He and the Father are One, it is this circular relationship they live Jesus hopes for in His followers. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #circular #relationship #John #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #gospels #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways