Devotions Archive Archive: 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 Search Archive Print This Article Easy does it Thursday, April 12, 2001 John 13:1-15 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power ... and so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet Jesus confounds conventional distinctions. Leader and followers? Master and servants? Teacher and disciples? First and last? What's the difference? The leader must follow best, the master must serve, the teacher learn, the first be last. Jesus makes it clear that God is not the boss, he's the dad. Let me share parts of another gem from Oswald Chambers (July 19): Our Lord leaves us perfectly free - so free that we can spit in his face, as men did; so free that we can put him to death, as men did; and he will never say a word. This Thursday full of wind and clouds and sun is our day to remember the light and darkness of Jesus' last supper. In John 13-17 Jesus speaks to his disciples at even greater length than his Sermon on the Mount. He warns them and comforts them, he tells them he loves them and he shows them he loves them. It's good to sit with them and let Jesus show us too how he loves us. Jesus washes my feet, he serves me. He teaches me by his goodness to be good, and I want to wash the feet of those around me. Jesus teaches me that there is nothing righteous about being better, stronger, right. There is only the opportunity to give more and love more. At the core of giving is the ability to receive. At the center of loving is being loved. Chambers again: If our Lord insisted upon obedience he would become a taskmaster, and he would cease to have any authority. He never insists on obedience, but when we do see him we obey him instantly, He is easily Lord, and we live in adoration of him from morning till night. On this day with him, reclining at the table with him while we eat together, Jesus reminds me again that his yoke is easy and light. The water he uses to wash my feet is living water. He gives me this water to share, and shows me the way to live easy, to be easily loved and easily loving. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you. (Psalm 139) "; Add      Edit    Delete