Monday 10th November
Read 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 realise 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, ‘Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their 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.” (NIVUK)
Most of the disciples have clearly let events unfold and allowed Jesus to wash their feet. Peter expresses reservations about this state of affairs. Peter believes Jesus is greater than him. It is therefore wrong for the greater to humble themselves before the lesser.
How much do you sympathise with Peter’s position? Surely Peter is correct in theory? Jesus truly is greater than him.
Yet it is pretty amazing that, knowing this to be true, Peter still challenges Jesus’ actions. The One who holds all power, power they have witnessed, experienced and passed on, chooses deliberately to take the role of a servant and wash their feet. Would you challenge the One with that much power? What is Peter really thinking?
Peter is seeking to correct Jesus’ own understanding of what must be done. What looks like humility on the surface smacks just a little bit of pride. Peter believes that Jesus is too great to behave in this manner. His chosen actions are beneath Him and someone should point this out!
Jesus’ response is gentle at first – He explains to Peter that he doesn’t yet understand why Jesus is doing this but that he will eventually if he is patient.
How patient are you when God does something in your life, or the lives of others, that you think are wrong? Or do you think you know best?
