January 18 | John 13:1-9

Elaine Pierce
Jan 18
3 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Radical Love

By Elaine Pierce

This is most likely a familiar passage for UALC Daily Worship readers. I'm sure you have seen artwork that depicts 'the last supper' as Jesus washes his disciples' feet. (Interestingly, the other 3 gospels don't include this story). Washing the dust-covered sandaled feet of weary travelers was usually performed by the lowliest servant in the household. This task would have been considered beneath an honored, respected rabbi like Jesus, and Peter was quick to protest: "No, you shall never wash my feet. (v. 8)." Just the thought of his master and leader washing his feet was horrifying to him! Of course, we know how quickly Peter changes his mind when Jesus tells him that "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." "Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" (v. 8b-9).

No, Peter, Jesus wasn't preparing to give you a full bath. And no, Jesus wasn't 'demoting' himself to the most menial task just to make you uncomfortable. But he was reminding Peter - and all of us - that he wasn't performing the sacrificial act of feet washing because Peter - or any of us - deserve to have our feet washed. Jesus loves us not because we deserve his love. He died for us to save us, not because we deserved his sacrifice.

Does this kind of undeserved love sometimes make you uncomfortable, just like it did Peter? I want to 'earn' Jesus' love, and I will fail every day if that is my aim. But because he loves me so fully, so completely, I can turn and offer that kind of love to my family, my friends, and yes, my enemies.

Jesus knew what was coming next: "Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. (v.1)" The disciples hadn't figured that out yet. They were still hoping for a political or military intervention, for Rome to topple and for Jesus to free them from this tyrannical regime. We know what happens next, but let's not lose sight of the fact that we love because he first loved us. What a gift! What freedom it brings when we know he's done it all. Let's thank him and live each day in the light of this good news.

PRAYER

Lord, I want to earn your favor, and I cannot. Help me to sit at your feet and learn each day how much you love me and in turn, help me to love others. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!