April 25Washed

John 13:6-11 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” 10 Jesus answered, “A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
 
I have heard many, many teachings about Peter being too outspoken. It seems the general response among the Christian church is to label Peter as impulsive, prone to speak before he thinks. He seems to periodically argue with Jesus and reject the Lord’s teachings. Sadly, we focus on Peter’s denial of Jesus. Yes, that was a hard, tragic event; yet, God permitted it and used it for his purposes, didn’t he?
   And Jesus uses this foot washing and Peter’s passion for God’s purposes, too. Again, we might react, “Peter is disobeying Jesus again.” But let’s see Peter here as the most faithful of the 12 disciples. Think of it. Jesus is going from one disciple to another, doing a slave’s work. There is Peter. He is watching. He is wondering, “What is Jesus doing?” Here’s why Peter would question Jesus’ servant work: Matthew 16:15-16 Jesus aske, “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” It is no wonder that Peter said, “you shall never wash my feet.” Peter was raised to submit to God. He is living into his faith. There is no way he will allow the Holy Son of God to wash his dust-laden feet!
   But then Jesus explains the reason for the washing. It is Jesus’ demonstration that we must fully receive him into our lives. We must completely receive his holiness to cleanse us. One cannot be partly saved; nor, can we be a part-time servant. We must respond to Jesus’ saving work as Peter faithfully confessed, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” After the cross and Jesus’ resurrection, the 11 faithful disciples would understand the power of Jesus’ cleansing blood completely washing them.
   I pray you understand this, too. Seek Jesus’ full cleansing. Live into this powerful encouragement: Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
   Jesus is Living Water. He washes you clean of sin. He cleanses your soul to receive his teachings. He purifies your heart to love God and love others. May Jesus wash all of you.
 
Prayer: Wash me, Lord, with your redeeming, born again power. Amen.