The Path of Blessing

ByJim Stephens

Scripture: John 13:1-20  (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)

12 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. 16 I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. 17 You know these things—now do them. That is the path of blessing. (John 13:12-17 NLT)

Here’s what Jesus was doing when he washed his disciples’ feet:

  • (Jesus) “OK, guys, listen up! I want to run through what just happened to be sure you get it.” (disciples all turn to face Jesus and say in unison) “OK, Boss!”
  • (Jesus) “You call me Teacher and Boss because that’s what I am, right?” (disciples in unison) “Yes, Boss!”
  • (Jesus) “I’m the Boss and Teacher and I washed your feet, and it seemed really weird, right?” (disciples in unison) “Yes, Boss! It seemed really weird!”
  • (Jesus) “So here’s the point. If I, your Boss and Teacher, washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. Got it? (disciples in unison, after slight hesitation) “Yes Boss!”
  • (Jesus) “I have given you an example to follow. Do to each other as I have done to you. This is not rocket science, guys! Can you do this? (disciples in unison, hesitantly, with side glances at one another) “Uh… Yes Boss!”
  • (Jesus) “Don’t act like big-shots! Don’t get prideful, or title-conscious, or position-pompous! You’re not greater than me and you’re not greater than each other. You getting this? Is it clear?” (disciples in unison) “Yes, Boss! It’s clear! We got it!”
  • (Jesus) “OK, then just do it! That is the path of blessing – blessing for you and blessing for others.” (disciples, slowly and with conviction) “Yes, Boss!”

Do you understand what Jesus is doing to you, in you, and for you? We’d do well to ask ourselves that question often. Because it sometimes seems weird and often doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense. So maybe we should go over it one more time! Jesus gave us an example to follow. He did it, now we do it. Path of Blessing!

Prayer:

Father, Please help us not to be confused by the utter simplicity of Jesus’ teaching and his example to us and for us. We know these things! Now please help us to do them. It’s the path of blessing! Amen!