So many times we study words, meanings, theology, and stories that we lose sight of the single message of Christ. It becomes easy to worship knowledge, doctrine, or grace and not the subject. I pray that we focus not on the form of the Greek verbs or the symbolism of the story to the point that we teach mater instead of what maters. I pray He focuses us daily and continually on Him and the precious wonderful gift. That we come in our place of humility and look to Him for mercy and grace.
Extra Credit: I usually try to tie in the bonus devotion or article with the message from that day. Today though instead I just liked this one so I decided to post it and reference it. It is by Chris Cunningham entitled Water and Weeds. With that said though I pray that no mater what I post or from whom that it always ties together with the single message of Christ.
Jhn 13:3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
Jhn 13:4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
Jhn 13:5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
- Is there any meaning in the order and details of Jesus washing their feet?
Oh there are so many which know far more than I about these verses. Sadly there are far more puffed up that know far less that believe or are deceived that they know these verses as well. I am confident each word symbolizes untold and to me unknown glorious hidden meanings. Him rising from the supper, laying His garments aside, taking a towel, girding Himself, Pouring the water in a bason, washing the feet of His disciples, and wiping them with the towel that girded Him. Every word was divinely placed in perfect order and most likely carries a deep symbolic message. Oh for the day to be with the Lord that these things will be made clear. I read and pray over text like this but seem to only have hints of the meaning. To me the one striking message that resonates from this text is not necessarily that Him rising may symbolize the victorious Christ rising after His death or that the water could represent His grace. Much more than that to me is the simply message of the King of King and Lord of Lords in humble servitude to His disciples. We see, in this hour that has come, how He will now willing bows Himself to be made sin and wash the penalty from His chosen. How through all the pictures and symbols that Jesus was given all the elect children of His Father to die for and that He was come of God and would now return to sit as our mediator.
(Psa 119:9)
