…Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father… And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him… He [Jesus] riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. (John 13:1-5, KJV)

Jesus saith to him [Peter], He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. (John 13:10-11, KJV)

We’ve all read this account. We’ve all seen this precious moment when the Son of God humbled Himself and washed His disciples’ feet. But just the other day, something from this account struck my heart.

Jesus knew His time was come. He knew Judas’ heart was turned against Him. He knew this man that He had loved, that He had poured His life into, was about to betray Him.

Have you ever been betrayed?

Here, Jesus knew this man was about to betray Him and what did Jesus do? He washed Judas’ feet.

If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. (John 13:14, KJV)

Jesus washed the feet of the man that was about to betray Him into the hands of the people that wanted to kill Him. His instruction to us is that we are to wash one another’s feet. His instruction to us is that we are to love one another. He said He left us an example. Not just an example of humility. Not just an example of servant-hood. Not just an example of love. But an example of being humble enough to love and serve those that do not deserve it.

Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved… (Ephesians 2:5, Amplified)

His favor and mercy which you did not deserve. Thank God He didn’t give us what we deserve. Now be like your Father and give others what they don’t deserve… love, forgiveness, mercy and grace.

…freely ye have received, freely give. (Matthew 10:8, KJV)