...Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, "Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me" (John 13:21).

. . .

Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you."

Then Jesus answered, "Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!" (John 13:37-38)

Our Savior kneels down and gazes upon the darkest acts of our lives. But rather than recoil in horror, he reaches out in kindness and from the basin of his grace, he scoops a palm full of mercy and washes away our sin.

Jesus said:

"If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash each other's feet. I did this as an example so that you should do as I have done for you" (John 13:14-15).

Those in the circle of Christ had no doubt of his love; those in our circles should have no doubts about ours. More often than not, if the one in the right volunteers to wash the feet of the one in the wrong, both parties end up on their knees.

Please understand: relationships don't thrive because the guilty are punished, but because the innocent are merciful.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:32).

From Just Like Jesus, by Max Lucado. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Those in the circle of Christ had no doubt of his love.