The Word of God was written with such purpose and design, and the life of the Savior had such order. Today I was wondering when and John 14-17 happened. Chapter 17 of this book really speaks to me because it starts off with five verses where Jesus is praying for Himself and then ends with 20 verses praying for His disciples, us. And really in the five verses praying about Himself He is praying for us and giving revelation, verse 3,"And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent."
So I investigated some and found that chapters 14-17 all happen at the Last Supper. And it all begins with Chapter 13 verses 3-5, "Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, 4 rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. 5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded."
If I read only what is highlighted in my Bible of theses verses it reads, "3Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, 5 ...began to wash the disciples’ feet."
What a Savior! What a God! Knowing that in His hands He held all the power of the universe, and then some, He wash the dusty, dirty, scarred, bruised feet of ordinary men. What love. Digging deeper in verse 4 it says He "laid aside His garments." He was clothed with righteousness, power, dominion and authority, and this He lays aside to wash unlovely feet.
But what is truly to be learned from this is found in verses 15 and 17. Verse 15, "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you." Verse 17, " If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them."
Let us never forget what Christ has done for us on the Cross, and let us not hold back the grace He has given us. Let us not be old wineskin, retaining the grace for ourselves, but pouring it out only to be filled up again. Let us follow THE EXAMPLE.
