Celebrate Jesus

Celebrate Jesus

John 13:1-17

Jesus reveals a new way of exercising authority through love, service and humility. In this dramatic way, he bridges the gap between those in leadership and those under their leadership. Forgiveness the washing and cleansing is a sign of forgiveness − cleansing from sin. Foot-washing is a picture of what Jesus is about to do on the cross for them (v.7). Through Jesus' death for you, you are totally forgiven. Why then does Jesus teach us to pray regularly for forgiveness? I find the most helpful analogy and picture is the one given here. When Jesus moved to wash Peter's feet, Peter said, "No, you shall never wash my feet," Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me" (v.8). Peter replied, in effect, 'Well, in that case, wash my whole body.' Jesus said, 'Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean' (v.10). This is a picture of forgiveness. When you put your faith in Jesus you are made totally clean and you are forgiven − everything is dealt with. You do not need to repeat this one- off act of repentance and faith that leads to total forgiveness. It is the equivalent of having a bath.

However, as we go through the world we do things that tarnish our friendship with God. Your relationship is always secure but your friendship is sullied with the dirt that you pick up on your feet. Each day pray, 'Lord, forgive me, cleanse me from the dirt.' You don't need to have a bath again, Jesus has done that for you, but a measure of cleansing may be necessary each day.

Nicky Gumbel