He knew they would...
betray him
abandon him
deny him
doubt him
fall asleep on him
fail him
And He still washed their feet.
Because he loved them. And as John notes, he loved them to the very end.
He washes their feet to show them the way of love, the way of himself, the way of the kingdom of God that is settling right into their midst with every wipe of the towel.
Jesus says in John 13:14 "I have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you."
Even in the hours before the Hour, the hour of his death, Jesus of Nazareth remains focused on completely loving his friends to the very end. How was he able to do this?
Because he knew where he came from and where he was going.
"Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God..." John writes in 13:3. He knew. The security and love of the Father would always be his. When you are not worried or anxious about who you are, and know whose rod and staff are guiding you home then you can love deeply...even in the shadow of death. That's how he could love like he did and serve like he did and wash feet like he did.
And he entrusted himself wholly to Him. For the disciple's sake. And for your sake.
He knew you would...
betray him
abandon him
deny him
fall asleep on him
doubt him
fail him
And He still died for you.
Happy Maundy Thursday.
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