January 13, 2015
Jay McGuirk, Associate Pastor | Discipleship
When Jesus goes to wash his feet, Peter uses a dangerous
combination of words—“no” and “Lord.” If this were really just about cleaning
feet, Jesus’ insistence on washing the disciple’s feet would seem rigid and
unnecessary. But Christ’s humble act is about so much more. “If I do not wash
you, you have no share with me.” What Jesus shows us is that taking part in the
inheritance of the Kingdom of God as sons and daughters necessitates being
washed by the Lamb. In verse 10, Jesus tells us that there are two types of
washings that we all need. The first is the cleansing made available by Jesus’
atoning sacrifice on the cross. This is the washing that takes us from death to
life, when our sins are judged and nailed to the cross. This “bath” is
once-and-for-all. The second washing is needed daily as sin continues its
battle for our allegiance. For this daily “foot washing” we must go before
God’s throne of grace to be forgiven and renewed in order to live in obedience.
First, as the hymn asks, are you washed in the blood of the
Lamb? Have you repented and put your faith in Jesus Christ for salvation by
grace through faith alone? Go no further without this assurance in your life. Second,
do you go to the Father through Christ to maintain clean hands and a pure
heart? Take time today to pray for a heart that breaks over your sin, and a
desire to pursue a Christ-like life in the power of the Holy Spirit.
TWEET THIS:
Be washed by the Lamb once-and-for-all, but
return regularly to have your hands and feet cleansed. #UpperRoom
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