IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Jesus Set Us an Example

Date: Dec. 30, 2024

Passage

John 13:1-17 (ESV)

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 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, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 13:17

If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

Jesus knew his time of death was near, and the devil was at work (2). Jesus’ love was expressed throughout John’s gospel. He gave up his heavenly throne to dwell among us. He fed, healed, and taught the way of God’s kingdom. Jesus’ love for his sheep is unconditional (1).

Peter and the other disciples were baffled as Jesus took a water basin and towel to wash each of their feet in the middle of the meal. They were surprised because Jesus took a job reserved for servants. Yet, through Jesus' example, they had to know two essential truths: that we must be cleansed by Jesus daily, and we are truly blessed when we follow Jesus’ humility and serve one another.

How is Jesus calling you to humbly serve others today? Do you have reservations about accepting his call to follow his example? Are you willing to struggle to overcome the obstacles in your heart to receive the blessing as you follow Jesus?

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for calling me your own and being my good shepherd. You have loved me, bearing all my dirty sins. Now, I ask for the blessing to grow to be like Jesus, taking his example, to love and serve your sheep.

One Word: Blessings to be like Jesus

Daily Bread

Where Can the Righteous Go?

Psalm 11:1-7

Key Verse: 11:7

  For the LORD is righteous;
  he loves righteous deeds;
    the upright shall behold his face.

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