Summer of Depth Devotional Day 38

It’s day 38 of our Summer of Depth Devotional and Reading Plan

This past Sunday, we spent time with Jesus and His disciples around this same table. Today, return to the passage and pay close attention to Peter.

As you read, ask God to help you receive what Jesus wants to give before thinking about what you need to do for Him.

Let’s dive deep into His Word together.

Before anything else, slow down and read: John 13:1-17.

John begins the scene by telling us what Jesus knows. He knows His hour has come. He knows the Father has placed all things under His power. He knows where He has come from and where He is going. With all of that authority and certainty, Jesus gets up from the table, wraps a towel around His waist, pours water into a basin, and begins washing His disciples’ feet.

Peter cannot accept what he is seeing. “You shall never wash my feet,” he tells Jesus. Peter is comfortable calling Jesus Lord, but he is uncomfortable letting his Lord kneel before him. Jesus answers, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

Peter has to receive something from Jesus before he can follow Jesus’ example. He has to let Jesus come close to what is dirty. He has to admit that he needs to be washed.

Afterward, Jesus tells the disciples that He has given them an example. John gives us the order clearly: Jesus serves them, and then He sends them to serve one another. True Christ-like service begins by receiving the grace that only Jesus can give. Without that, serving can quietly become another way to prove ourselves, earn approval, or avoid our own need.

Maybe Peter’s resistance is more familiar than we would like to admit. We may be willing to work for Jesus while struggling to let Him care for us. We may serve others while keeping our own weakness hidden. But Jesus is not asking us to impress Him. He is inviting us to receive His love deeply enough that it begins to shape the way we love others.

Reflection

When you serve, are you merely performing for Jesus or are you receiving His grace to then pour it out to others?

Sit with that question for a moment. Then invite Jesus into the places and situations you serve.