From the Pulpit...

This morning we begin our study in chapter 13 of John. The context of Jesus Christ washing the disciples feet was an act of service, showing love in a complete and perfect way, showing His love in a full extent in humble service. Christians are commanded to do likewise, to serve instead of focusing on 'being served.' We are reminded that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Jesus knew every event that would transpire as the time drew near for Him to depart from this world to the Father. Even though His beloved disciples would abandon Him, and one of them would betray Him, He loved them to the end. Peter voiced his objection, unable to understand why Jesus—the one he had acknowledged as "the Christ", the Son of the living God"—would be washing his feet. In typical manner, Peter exclaimed, "You shall never wash my feet! When Jesus explained that Peter needed to submit to Him, Peter jumped to the other extreme, asking Jesus to wash his hands and head as well. More than the right answers, Jesus wants submission and service. This is a lesson for every follower of Christ. Jesus wanted to impress on the disciples that this act of washing feet was not restricted to His ministry: anyone who claims to follow Jesus must also wash... feet, not as a ritual but through humble acts of service.