What Jesus Did! 'Getting Real' — John 13:4-5

Thursday, September 8, 2022

So [Jesus] got up from the table [before the "Last Supper"], took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples' feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.
— John 13:4-5 NLT

Key Thought

"Get real, man!" is a slang expression intended to bring someone into reality - no exaggeration, no pretending, no imaginary tale. Jesus' washing the disciples' feet is a time when God's becoming human flesh "gets real." Jesus, God come in human flesh, takes water and washes the dirt and grime off his disciples' feet. God becomes soiled with the dirt and stench of the world to show his love to all - to the disciples, including even the treacherous Judas, to us, and to all his creation. The same dirt from which he made humanity is now the dirt he must wash away to recreate humanity. Jesus gets real! That, my friend, is the crux of the Jesus story - that God would come to our world to bring us to his home at such great cost. Will you believe that this incredible story is true? If you do, everything is different!

Today's Prayer

Almighty and loving Father, I praise you for your work in creating me in your image. I thrill at the thought that you fashioned me in my mother's womb. I am overjoyed that you have re-created me new in Jesus. I thank you for being willing to get your hands dirty with the dirt of my world and my life to bring me home to you. In Jesus' name, I praise you. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Genesis 2:7
  • Psalm 139:13-16
  • Colossians 3:8-11

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

10 Related Resources by Heartlight

Service Is Rooted in Confidence
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table...."
Spurgeon PM Devo for Oct. 24th
Devo: Morning & Evening
"The Lord Jesus loves his people so much, that every day he is still doing for them much that is analogous to washing their soiled feet. Their poorest...."
Your Feet in His Hands
Article by Max Lucado
We say, “No! Don’t wash their feet, Jesus. Tell them to wash Yours!” Max Lucado writes reminding us of our need for being washed and made clean by Jesus.
Where Are You Going?
Article by Tim Archer
Life's better when you know where you're going Knowing who we are and where we are going frees us to do anything that needs doing.
See All 10 Related Resources about John 13:4-5

Illustration

Illustration of John 13:4-5 NLT — "Last Supper"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, September 8, 2022

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God’s Spirit: The Author of Unity' (Ep. 4:3-6)
"Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Author Unknown:
"In the sorest trials God often makes the sweetest discoveries of Himself."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Each Day He Carries Us' (Ps. 68:19)
"Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Genesis 1:5
"The evening was "darkness" and the morning was "light," and yet the two together are called by the name that is given to the light alone! This is..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!