14th Question Jesus Asks (From the Gospel of John)

Instead of looking to rule, let us follow Christ’s example by humbly serving.

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If Jesus sat down with us for some one-on-one time, what would we ask Him? More importantly, how would we respond to His questions?

Knowing He is omniscient God, the Living Word of God [John 1:1-3] who knows the “thoughts and intents of the heart” [Hebrews 4:12], compels us to answer honestly and fully. No hiding, deflecting, or excusing. Just honest answers.

John’s Gospel records several questions Jesus asked in His earthly ministry. By personally considering each of His questions, we face His same probing truth. By responding truthfully, may we be drawn into a more intimate walk with Him.

 

14th Question – Do You Know What I Have Done to You?

Have you ever had your feet washed—by a pastor, Bible study leader, or Christian counselor? Better yet, by your spouse? If so, you are in a very small minority. Honestly, it probably felt weird because you thought it was degrading to the foot-washer.

The disciples had a similar problem. Except, their foot-washer was the Creator, the promised Messiah, the anointed Christ.

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. [John 13:3-5]

By focusing on the foot-washing and prideful confrontation by Peter, we overlook two critical elements. First, God the Father placed everything in Jesus’ hands—everything. Secondly, Jesus knew who He was, where He had come from, and where He was going—an exalted throne in Heaven.

Here was the Master of everything known and unknown to the human mind. The divine Son of God who came from Heaven and would return to be exalted in unparalleled glory. This Jesus, on bended knees, to wash the filthy, cracked feet of His creation.

The whole scenario blew the disciples’ minds. So, Jesus explained the symbolism.

When He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know (understand) what I have done to you? If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” [John 13:12-15, parenthesis and bold text added].

Response

Jesus’ question resonates in Christian hearts today. We are to follow His example. By washing feet? Maybe, if necessary. More importantly, He demonstrated the serving characteristic of those who belong to Him. Genuine humility is a family resemblance.

May we truly consider and fully understand what Jesus did. Instead of looking to rule, let us follow Christ’s example by humbly serving not only God but also our fellow man. May we serve Him out of gratitude for all He has done for us. No request is too small; no task is too great.

 

Read previous posts below:

1st question

2nd question 

3rd question

4th question

5th question

6th question

7th question

8th question

9th question

10th question

11th question

12th question

13th question

 

 

This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Nate Stevens

Featured Image by falco from Pixabay

 

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About the Author

A lifelong student of Scripture, Nate Stevens has also enjoyed a banking career in a variety of leadership roles. He is the author of Matched 4 Life and Deck Time with Jesus as well as a contributing author on several of the Moments Books (Billy Graham Moments, Divine Moments, Spoken Moments, Christmas Moments, Stupid Moments, Cool-inary Moments, etc.). He writes online devotionals for ChristianDevotions.us and SingleMatters.com as well as articles for several other publications. Additionally, he leads Fusion, a Christian singles ministry he co-founded. A popular speaker and teacher at conferences, seminars and Bible study groups, he speaks on a wide variety of topics. He currently lives near Charlotte, North Carolina, with his beautiful wife, Karen, and is a proud dad of two awesome kids, Melissa and Mitchell.