He Washed Judas’ Feet
He Washed Judas’ Feet
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist… After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” — John 13:3-5
As Jesus knelt before each disciple, basin in hand and towel draped around His waist, He knew the weight of what was to come. He was fully aware of the betrayal already set in motion by Judas Iscariot. The silver pieces were waiting, and the kiss of betrayal was but hours away. Yet, Jesus knelt before Judas, looked into his eyes, and washed his feet with the same love and tenderness as He did Peter’s, John’s, and every other disciple’s.
Jesus didn’t skip Judas. He didn’t recoil in bitterness or anger. There was no pulling back of His hands or skipping over the one who would cause Him so much pain. Instead, Jesus served Judas with humility and mercy, embodying the purest form of forgiveness.
This act wasn’t about Judas’ worthiness—it was about Jesus’ character. Jesus wasn’t reacting to Judas; He was revealing the heart of God. It’s a heart that doesn’t withhold love or mercy based on someone else’s behavior. It’s a heart that forgives before the wound is even inflicted.
For us, this is a sobering example. We all have “Judas moments” in our lives—times when someone has betrayed us, hurt us deeply, or broken our trust. Our natural response is often to pull back, protect ourselves, or harbor resentment. But Jesus shows us another way.
Forgiveness isn’t about pretending the hurt didn’t happen. It’s about choosing to let mercy triumph over judgment. When we follow Jesus’ example, we kneel before those who’ve wronged us—not to excuse their actions but to release ourselves from the chains of bitterness.
Jesus washed Judas’ feet not because Judas deserved it, but because love compelled Him to. And in doing so, He gave us a profound picture of what it means to love our enemies and to extend grace even when it feels undeserved.
Today, as we reflect on this moment we must ask ourselves: Who in my life do I need to kneel before in forgiveness? Whose feet am I being called to wash—not literally, but through an act of love, kindness, or reconciliation?
May we follow Jesus’ example—not just in serving those who love us, but in showing mercy to those who have wronged us. Because in the end, forgiveness isn’t just about them—it’s about freeing ourselves to walk in the fullness of God’s love.
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist… After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” — John 13:3-5
As Jesus knelt before each disciple, basin in hand and towel draped around His waist, He knew the weight of what was to come. He was fully aware of the betrayal already set in motion by Judas Iscariot. The silver pieces were waiting, and the kiss of betrayal was but hours away. Yet, Jesus knelt before Judas, looked into his eyes, and washed his feet with the same love and tenderness as He did Peter’s, John’s, and every other disciple’s.
Jesus didn’t skip Judas. He didn’t recoil in bitterness or anger. There was no pulling back of His hands or skipping over the one who would cause Him so much pain. Instead, Jesus served Judas with humility and mercy, embodying the purest form of forgiveness.
This act wasn’t about Judas’ worthiness—it was about Jesus’ character. Jesus wasn’t reacting to Judas; He was revealing the heart of God. It’s a heart that doesn’t withhold love or mercy based on someone else’s behavior. It’s a heart that forgives before the wound is even inflicted.
For us, this is a sobering example. We all have “Judas moments” in our lives—times when someone has betrayed us, hurt us deeply, or broken our trust. Our natural response is often to pull back, protect ourselves, or harbor resentment. But Jesus shows us another way.
Forgiveness isn’t about pretending the hurt didn’t happen. It’s about choosing to let mercy triumph over judgment. When we follow Jesus’ example, we kneel before those who’ve wronged us—not to excuse their actions but to release ourselves from the chains of bitterness.
Jesus washed Judas’ feet not because Judas deserved it, but because love compelled Him to. And in doing so, He gave us a profound picture of what it means to love our enemies and to extend grace even when it feels undeserved.
Today, as we reflect on this moment we must ask ourselves: Who in my life do I need to kneel before in forgiveness? Whose feet am I being called to wash—not literally, but through an act of love, kindness, or reconciliation?
May we follow Jesus’ example—not just in serving those who love us, but in showing mercy to those who have wronged us. Because in the end, forgiveness isn’t just about them—it’s about freeing ourselves to walk in the fullness of God’s love.
Recent
Archive
Categories
no categories
No Comments