During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
John 13:2-5
Lord, I pray for a spirit of love that enables me to wash the feet of those who will betray me. Cause Your love to so permeate my being that I love the unlovable and weep for the merciless, and sacrifice for the heartless. It is so easy for me to justify why I have aught against someone. To keep a “holy” spin on it, I will say such things as, “I have to love you; I don’t have to like you,” or, “I have to forgive you, but it doesn’t mean I have to trust you.” Yet, You were vulnerable to Judas. You knew he was not trustworthy. You knew what he was going to do and how he was going to do it. Yes, my mind easily justifies it by saying, “You knew Your betrayal was part of the Father’s plan to redeem the world.” Yet, who am I to say that my betrayal is not also part of His plan to redeem those who offend me? The difference between me and You goes further than divine insight. It is one of obedience. Lord, I want to be like You. Help me to bless those who curse me and pray for those who spitefully use me. But more so, help me to be more like that lamb led for slaughter, willing to sacrifice myself that You might be glorified and worshipped by someone who does not know You. Let them see You in me to Your glory. Amen.