Saturday 15 August 2026
- Bible Book:
- John
"Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord – and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet." (vs 12-14)
Background
The words we read in today's passage remind each one of us what is expected to be our lifestyle and our actions as we have given over our lives to Jesus.
Yesterday we read how Jesus washed his disciples' feet. (John 13:1-11) He now puts on his robe and returns to his place at the table, saying the disciples are right to call him ‘Teacher and Lord’ (v. 13). He is giving an interpretation of his act of foot-washing which he intends to have weight. He makes an explicit command: "So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet" (v. 14). The meaning of ‘ought to’ in the original language is very strong, implying something which is owed to one another. And there is the emphasis on the example of Jesus’ act of foot-washing: "For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you" (v. 15).
Jesus reminds us that as he has washed us through his Spirit we too are expected to be active in ministry of one kind and another in the way of life we find ourselves in.
The final sentence reminds us that we are not only called to have faith for ourselves but we are called and enabled through our faith to draw more and more people to give over their lives to the way in which we ourselves have been called. As Jesus says: "Very truly, I tell you, whoever receives one whom I send receives me; and whoever receives me receives him who sent me." (v. 20)
To Ponder:
- Do we give over enough time to prayer and conversation with God?
- Do we have the courage to really look beyond the everyday to the day when we truly will have one world in which all people can live as brothers and sisters without difference, so that it really will be the world intended from the beginning of time?
Prayer
Lord, it is sometimes hard to put ourselves into the situation those first disciples found themselves in. Help us to stay close and obedient to your word so that we might play our part in building that one world you wish your people to be in where all can be at peace with one another and care lovingly for all our neighbours, whoever they are. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Pat Billsborrow
Pat came into ministry 39 years ago and has been a supernumerary for 20 years. She is happy to continue serving wherever she is needed.