John 13:1-11
Jesus Serves
Daily S.O.A.P. Prompts
S – What verse stands out to me today?
O – What is God revealing about Jesus?
A – How should this change my life today?
P – What is my prayer in response?
Scripture
(John 13:1-11, NLT) Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. 2 It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. 4 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. 6 When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.” 8 “No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.” 9 Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!” 10 Jesus replied, “A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For Jesus knew who would betray him. That is what he meant when he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
Observation
This follows the whole interaction with Mary anointing Jesus’ feet and wiping his feet with her hair. Also, the crowds attempt to anoint Jesus their King. I notice the connection between Mary’s action and Jesus’ actions. He is humbling himself and giving his disciples an example to follow.
The phrase “the hour had come” is being used a lot.
Judas is identified in this passage as the disciple that will betray Jesus.
The term “authority” has been used multiple times in this chapter and chapter 12.
Jesus demonstrates for his disciples a posture of living that will identify followers of Jesus with him. He washes their feet and instructs them to do the same. Jesus tells them that this act, typically reserved for a slave, will be the standard for determining who is his disciple.
Peter refuses at first because Jesus is his teacher, not his slave. Again, Peter doesn’t get it. After refusing, Peter asks Jesus to wash his hands, head, and feet.
Peter is missing the point of the washing. It wasn’t that he needed a bath, or even that his feet were technically dirty; Jesus was giving them a symbolic example to follow of sacrificial love and humility.
Judas would betray Jesus and is identified as unclean.
Application
We minister to others after we have been ministered to by Jesus. I must be washed (cleansed) first; then I can minister to others. When I experience the humble service of Jesus, I prepare to give that same humble service to others.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for the example of humility you gave to the disciples. It gives me a beautiful picture of Jesus-style ministry. Help me to live sacrificially towards others, honoring others before myself. May my life be marked by humility and service. Search me, know me, and reveal any and all attitudes and behaviors that don’t glorify you and the standard you created. In Jesus' name, amen!
Have questions about today’s S.O.A.P. study? Comment below.
