Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

 John 13:1-11

Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.” John 13:10-11

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 13:1-11, where just prior to the Passover feast, Jesus shares a  meal with the disciples, and during the meal, He washes their feet.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus has a plan and He does not depart from it as everything He does for the disciples is out of love for them.  V1 shares how Jesus knew He would soon go to the cross how He loved the disciples "to the end" - despite their sin and brokenness as they were "in the world."  This included love for Judas who in v2 will betray Jesus as the devil enters Judas' heart.  Jesus then proceeds to wash the disciples feet - starting in v4 - this includes Judas who knows will betray Him (v11).  Peter resists but Jesus rebukes Peter in v8 sharing that He must wash Peter because He cannot leave him in sin/darkness.  Upon this rebuke and response from Jesus, Peter then accepts Jesus' cleansing, exclaiming that he seeks not just his feet but his hands and head as well to be cleansed (v9). Jesus then shares in vv10-11 and how those who have bathed - implying a cleansing/forgiveness of sin from Jesus based on faith and belief in Him - are clean (except the feet). Judas is not clean because he persists in sin and darkness and this has hardened his heart, preventing faith and belief in Jesus.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The disciples do not understand why Jesus is washing their feet - v7 - but the text also shares that "afterward [they] will understand."  Jesus is always doing something in our lives and we often do not understand.  We can take comfort that Jesus is in all things, and for believers all things work together for good - Colossians 1:15-17 and Romans 8:28. Our understanding will come afterward - either in this life beyond and passed current circumstances or in Heaven when our understanding of Jesus will be complete. We also learn that our heart condition is most important - not actions or external behaviors.  If we allow sin and darkness to enter our heart like Judas did then we are likely to stay in darkness and face eternal condemnation.
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid sinful influences that are "in the world."  Claim the promise that Jesus cleanses us of our sins and gives us a new heart, a heart of flesh that allows us to hear Jesus, learn about Him, love Him, and follow Him - this is new life.  Follow the example of Peter who did not understand but sought understanding.  We are to forgive others as Jesus forgives us.    

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves, forgives, and saves!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.

Psalm 147

He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. v4

During those times when we doubt God's love for us, we can recall the words of this Psalm and similar scripture.  God loves us because He created us, specifically, and He knows everything about us - even down to the hair on our head.


I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:4-7

To God, we are not faceless - we are known - in fact, fully known and fully loved.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Further, we have been adopted as God's children:

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:14-17

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who knows everything about us and who loves us.  Thank You Jesus for Your love for me.  I am not worth such love.  I worry and I am often harsh with my words and actions.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.