How beautiful it must have been to see the Savior washing the disciples' feet! It was a lesson that we all should have witnessed, but simply knowing about this act already brings us joy, as it shows the Lord's love for His own, according to the Holy Word (John 3:16). There is no way not to love the Master, who taught us to do for others what we would like them to do for us (Matthew 22:39). Loving God does tremendous good, because, as a reward, He will also love us. To Him be the glory!

Wherever the Gospel reaches, we will see people rejoice at the fact that Christ is humble enough to show everyone what the love of God is. So, we must imitate His examples. No one has ever ministered in the same way as Jesus. None of His sheep were deprived of the teachings given by Him wherever they went, and thus they became successful in everything.

Let us remember the previous lesson in which Jesus took off His garments and covered Himself with a towel. Understand: He did not become completely naked, He did not strip off His inner garments; the Master wore a loincloth or something similar. As the Bible narrates, Isaiah walked naked: At the same time the Lord spoke by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, “Go, and remove the sackcloth from your body, and take your sandals off your feet.” And he did so, walking naked and barefoot. (Isaiah 20:2).

Isaiah had taken off the cilice, also known as a sackcloth, but for those days, it was as if he were naked – only with his undergarments. The Savior put a towel around His waist. Some hasty person might even try to walk like Isaiah and decide to take off all their clothes. However, men of faith would never do that; if they did, they would be prevented from preaching in the church, officiating a wedding, or performing any other pastoral act. In fact, we cannot cause scandals (Luke 17:1-2).

Peter must not have been believing in the Master's attitude toward everyone. Upon reaching his Lord, he told Him that he would not let Him wash his feet. However, gently, the King of kings convinced him to change his mind. We must not hinder the actions of the One who is perfect and only does good. He wants to accomplish His will in us. Maybe this seems simple, but at that time, the washing of the disciples' feet was an additional mark they would receive to live better. Believe!

God requires something simple from us, and we will have a great work done in us if we obey Him. We do not have the right to hinder the Son of God in His operations. If we do not have at least the "small" works of Jesus in our lives, we will never be successful. All of the Master's deeds leave us lessons for our own good. The Lord does what is necessary and teaches us to do the same to help others.

The towel was not meant to be worn; it was used to dry the feet of those who had their feet washed. In the past, it was customary, when receiving someone at home, to wash that person's feet, as the roads were dirt roads. An uncle of mine lived in the city, and when he returned home, his wife would take off his shoes and socks then wash his feet, drying them with a towel. Jesus set the example!

           In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares