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Realizing the presence, promise, and power of the Kingdom of God.
The DEEP

Fame

can destroy people.

John 13:2–5

And supper being ended, the devil having 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 to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. 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.

This is the strangest segue ever. Supper has ended. The devil has prepped Judas to betray Jesus. Jesus knows that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God.

So, what does He do? He gets up and starts washing everyone’s feet.

That’s weird in so many ways. You normally wash people’s feet when they arrive dirty, not after dinner. Plus, only servants normally wash other people’s feet.

But the weirdest thing is that this is Jesus’s response to what just happened—what God did and what the devil did. Somehow, that makes this the right moment to wash everyone’s feet. Why now? What’s so perfect about this moment?

Well, notice that this lesson is different. It’s not a parable. He’s not saying anything confusing. (He’s not saying anything period.) It’s just a simple lesson in humbling ourselves in the service of others.

Jesus has saved this lesson for last because it’s so important. His disciples are going to become some of the most famous people in history. Fame can destroy people through the sin of pride. They need to be vaccinated against that.

Thus, it makes sense that this is Jesus’s response to the preceding events. All the pieces are coming together. His time is at hand.

The Last Supper is His last chance to wash their feet. He’ll be too busy tomorrow.


Part of the genius of this lesson is its shock value. Everything about it, even the timing, is surprising. That sears it into the minds of the disciples.

While Jesus will go on to explain what He’s doing, at this point He’s staying quiet. Everyone is a bit puzzled and Peter, as we’ll soon see, is even offended it.

Good. They can’t sleep though this one.

This lesson is as difficult as it is important. Humility is an advanced skill.

It’ll take a while for this to sink in.


These Monday—Friday DEEPs are written by Mike Slay. The Saturday DEEPs are written by Matt Richardson. To subscribe to all the DEEPs click here:

https://www.ailbe.org/resources/community

The weekly study guides, which include the Monday–Friday devotionals plus related questions for discussion or meditation, are available for download here:

https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/91-deep-studies

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV stands for the English Standard Version. © Copyright 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved. NIV stands for The Holy Bible, New International Version®. © Copyright 1973 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved. KJV stands for the King James Version.

Mike Slay

As a mathematician, inventor, and ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church in America, Mike Slay brings an analytical, conversational, and even whimsical approach to the daily study of God's Word.

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