Devotions

Washing Feet Devotion

Spa time!

Bible Background: John 13:1-17 (excerpt from the Deep Blue Storybook Bible)

 [Jesus gathered with his disciples in the Upper Room for the Last Supper.  He knew that it was going to be his last Passover feast with his friends.] The friends watched as Jesus got up from the table and tied a towel around his waist. Then Jesus poured water into a big bowl.

What is Jesus doing? thought the friends. The friends watched as Jesus began to wash their feet. “Jesus, what are you doing?” asked Peter. “I don’t want you to wash my feet. My feet are so dirty. Besides, it’s the job of a servant to wash feet. It’s not your job. You are our teacher.”

“Peter,” said Jesus, “it is important that I wash your feet.” So Peter let Jesus wash his dirty feet.

When Jesus finished washing everyone’s feet, he took off the towel and put away the bowl of water. “Do you understand why I did the job of a servant and washed your feet?” asked Jesus.

“No,” said Peter and his friends, shaking their heads.

“I wanted to show you God’s love,” said Jesus. “So even thought I am your teacher, I di the job of a servant and washed your feet,” said Jesus. “I want you to serve others. Helping others is one way to show God’s love.”

• If you would like a visual telling of this story: Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet

 How to Talk to Your Kids:

1. How do you think Peter felt when Jesus washed his feet?
2. Would you like to wash someone’s feet? This isn’t something we really do today, unless we are going to get a pedicure!  But a long time ago, when Jesus lived, this was a normal thing for a servant to do for his master. 
3. Peter was surprised when Jesus decided to wash his friends’ feet. He wasn’t their servant, was he?  Why do you think he was going this?  He was teaching them something important: to share God’s love by helping or serving one another.  Jesus was teaching his friends that we are no better than anyone else, and our job is to love one another.
4. How do you like to show love to your family, friends, even strangers?

Prayer:

“Lord, thank you for giving us so many ways to love each other.  You have shown another great example of how you are always here for us, how you always forgive us, and how you unconditionally love us.  Help us love others as you love us.  Amen.”

 Activities to go with this:

• Sweet Foot Scrub
  • Mix together equal parts (1/4 – ½ cup) sugar and coconut oil.  Option: Add flavored essential oil.  Store in a jar or Tupperware.  Make one and leave it for a neighbor!

Message from Cindy McKoy

“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Matthew poses the question, “…can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?” Worry is a dominant force in the age in which we live. Do we gain anything from worry? We worry about things that are likely and even things that are unlikely to occur. As a mother and former teacher, there is great concern when we hear our young, elementary-aged children sharing their fears and worries with us. Are we modeling the right behavior to our children? Are we putting our faith and trust in God? Worry can distract us from all the many things God can accomplish through us.

In Philippians 4:6, God instructs us to bring “everything” to God in prayer. What a comfort those words are. We often question whether our requests are small or insignificant in God’s eyes. In all situations, we must bring everything to God in prayer. Our faith and trust should reside in him. Prayer gives us an opportunity not only to lay our worries at his feet, but to thank him for his prevenient grace and the many blessings he continues to bestow upon us. When we bring our requests to God, the result is peace. The peace of God that passes all understanding will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.