Eastertide Day 26 Thursday May 15 2025
John 13: 6-20 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, “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.
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
18 “I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill this passage of Scripture: ‘He who shared my bread has turned against me.”
19 “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am. 20 Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.”
In this passage, we witness Jesus humbling Himself to wash the feet of His disciples, an act of love, service, and humility. When Peter questions Jesus, he is reminded that he may not understand the significance of this act now, but its meaning will become clear later. Through this gesture, Jesus teaches us that true leadership is rooted in service and that we are called to love and serve one another just as He has loved and served us.
As we journey through Eastertide, this scripture challenges us to reflect on our own willingness to serve others. Are we prepared to humble ourselves for the sake of others? Are we open to receiving the grace and love of Christ, even when it challenges our understanding or pride?
Let this passage be a reminder that following Jesus means embodying His example of selfless love and service in our daily lives.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your example of humility and love. Help us to embrace Your call to serve one another with kindness and compassion. Teach us to let go of our pride and to recognize the beauty in acts of service, no matter how simple they may seem. As we continue through this season of Eastertide, may we grow closer to You and reflect Your love to those around us. Amen.