Questions
13a. What physical trait do you share with family members?
13b. Who has demonstrated “foot washing” in your life?
* * * * *
What's happening in John 13?
vv 1-20 Jesus washes the disciples' feet
vv 21-30 One of you will betray me
vv 31-35 A new commandment
vv 36-38 Jesus foretells Peter's denial
2 comments:
13a. I come from a family of tall folks! At 5'9" I am the shortest one in my immediate family. Like I said before, it is nice when I attend parades but not so comfortable in economy class on airplanes.
13b. This is a question to ponder as I have been the literal recipient of foot washing and the foot washer in such settings. But I am going to a metaphorical means to answer. I think the greatest "foot washing' experience of this nature was when a friend risked sharing with me in confidence the deepest pain in his life. He had lived decades in silence having experienced rejection when the issue first needed attention. He washed my feet and soul with the tears present in his words and his fear that such revelation would mar or even end our friendship. It only made our friendship stronger. The experience changed my life
13a.
I don't think I look much like either of my parents, but my sisters and I favor somewhat--we have the Coates' chin for sure. :-) And we're all short. I wish I could have some of your 5'9".
13b.
Literal foot story: One of the things that drew me to Jeff when we were dating was that he would rub my aching feet with apparent joy. I knew he was a keeper then. He has continued to set the bar high for service without attitude; I can’t match it but I'm very grateful for it and try to learn from it.
The juxtaposition of these verses in the same chapter catches my eye because I can so relate to Peter:
Joh 13:8 Peter said to him, "You shall never wash my feet."
(and)
Joh 13:37 Peter said to him, "Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you."
Joh 13:38 Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times."
It’s easy to feel so impassioned with love for Jesus and promise him my undying affection, but then in the next hour, to pass judgment on a brother or snap at somebody I love or entertain thoughts of self-pity and negativity—all denials of Jesus. He knew I would always need his grace…
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