Pray For the Peace of Jerusalem
We have a funny expression in English:
"I would love to have been a fly on the wall for THAT!"
In this Passage, the Evangelist John is doing that for us. We witness the moments before the Passover Seder which Christians call "The Last Supper". In wealthier homes, the Host would have a servant wash his guests' feet upon arrival. Now I have to tell you, even in modern-day cities in the Middle East, that would have been a particularly nasty job. It gets extremely dusty, there are donkeys and camels everywhere, and people only wear sandals! What Jesus does is radical and unexpected, yet He tells us that He is being an "Example" for us all.
What we are looking at in our study though, is Peter's reaction to this open, astounding act of humility and love. He PROTESTS it! Why would he attempt to stop Jesus from washing his feet? Did he think he was able to do it himself? Did he think he was more sinful than the other Disciples? Did he think that, although they may have been worthy, he wasn't? Unfortunately "False Humility" is a form of Pride! Singling oneself out as a worse sinner, less worthy than everybody, or even too bad to ever be redeemed by the Love of Christ is a sin in and of itself. Jesus CHOSE to wash His Disciples' feet, and he was the Master, so be it. For Peter to attempt to single himself out as "unworthy" was wrong. They (and we) were ALL unworthy, and we are not to reject Christ's ministrations to us because we think we don't deserve it (we DON'T!).
Jesus patiently explains this to Peter, and our friend still doesn't get it! At this point he wants a whole BATH.
We shouldn't be too harsh on Peter. I believe that the Gospels let us in on his gaffes for a reason. When we get to the Book of Acts, we will see a New Peter, and the contrast is amazing.
Stay Tuned.
Come and Pray For the Peace of Jerusalem, For Our FRiends in Need, For Persecuted Believers, and For Our Beloved Nation.
Blessings To All Who Visit This Garden of Prayer.
This Symbol Represents Christians in The Middle East, who desperately need our Prayers.
Hallelujah and Amen
ML/LTOS