3/21 John 13:1-20

Reading the Passage

Another very familiar story. Take your time with it. Put yourself in the story. Ask the Spirit to show you whatever it is that you need to hear today. [Today’s verses are from The Voice courtesy of biblegateway.com.]

John 13:1-20

13 Before the Passover festival began, Jesus was keenly aware that His hour had come to depart from this world and to return to the Father. From beginning to end, Jesus’ days were marked by His love for His people. ² Before Jesus and His disciples gathered for dinner, the adversary filled Judas Iscariot’s heart with plans of deceit and betrayal. ³ Jesus, knowing that He had come from God and was going away to God, ⁴ stood up from dinner and removed His outer garments. He then wrapped Himself in a towel, ⁵ poured water in a basin, and began to wash the feet of the disciples, drying them with His towel.

Simon Peter (as Jesus approaches): ⁶ Lord, are You going to wash my feet?

Jesus: ⁷ Peter, you don’t realize what I am doing, but you will understand later.

Peter: ⁸ You will not wash my feet, now or ever!

Jesus: If I don’t wash you, you will have nothing to do with Me.

Peter: ⁹ Then wash me but don’t stop with my feet. Cleanse my hands and head as well.

Jesus: ¹⁰ Listen, anyone who has bathed is clean all over except for the feet. But I tell you this, not all of you are clean.

¹¹ He knew the one with plans of betraying Him, which is why He said, “not all of you are clean.” ¹² After washing their feet and picking up His garments, He reclined at the table again.

Jesus: Do you understand what I have done to you? ¹³ You call Me Teacher and Lord, and truly, that is who I am. ¹⁴ So if your Lord and Teacher washes your feet, then you should wash one another’s feet. ¹⁵ I am your example; keep doing what I do. ¹⁶ I tell you the truth: a servant is not greater than the master. Those who are sent are not greater than the one who sends them.^[a] 17 If you know these things, and if you put them into practice, you will find happiness. ¹⁸ I am not speaking about all of you. I know whom I have chosen, but let the Hebrew Scripture be fulfilled that says, “The very same man who eats My bread with Me will stab Me in the back.” ¹⁹ Assuredly, I tell you these truths before they happen so that when it all transpires, you will believe that I am. ²⁰ I tell you the truth: anyone who accepts the ones I send accepts Me. In turn, the ones who accept Me also accept the One who sent Me.