December 20, 2020 -- John 18:3 -- With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation
/So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons.
John 18:3 English Standard Version
Hmm, do you think Judas’ feet still felt fresh from the fact that just a few hours beforehand Jesus had knelt down and washed his feet? In Chapter 13, Jesus did what only the lowest servant in the household would do, He washed the feet of all His disciples. In that culture, where everyone walked everywhere, the first act of hospitality the host of a home would offer to a newly arrived guest was to direct his servant to wash the feet of the guests. The feet are refreshed. The dust is washed off. It is an act of welcome.
In the Upper Room, Jesus was alone with His disciples. None of the disciples would do this lowly task. So Jesus stood up and took the lowest place of washing the disciples’ feet. Even His betrayer’s feet, Jesus even washed Judas’ feet. Let that sink in for a moment.
Do you understand the washing you have received? Jesus suffered betrayal, humiliation, rejection, an unjust sentence and finally death so that we would be washed—thoroughly cleansed of our sins. Jesus knew Judas would betray Him, but Jesus gave Judas every opportunity to repent. Jesus knew the wickedness lodged in the heart of every apostle, every one of His followers, but He cleansed them.
Know this, Jesus went to the cross fully aware of your worst sins, your deepest needs and greatest brokenness. That is why we, as Christians, celebrate the Incarnation and birth of Jesus. From the start of His life to the end of His life, Jesus make the way open to the Father. Today’s prayer of praise comes from Isaiah:
You will say in that day:
“I will give thanks to you, O Lord,
for though you were angry with me,
your anger turned away,
that you might comfort me.
2 “Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.”
3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. 4 And you will say in that day:
“Give thanks to the Lord,
call upon his name,
make known his deeds among the peoples,
proclaim that his name is exalted.
5 “Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously;
let this be made known in all the earth.
6 Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,
for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”
Isaiah 12 English Standard Version
https://youtu.be/OYdkFctlQYs
May the Lord, Mighty God
Bless and keep you forever
Grant you peace, perfect peace
courage in every endeavor
Lift your eyes and see His face,
and His grace forever
May the Lord, Mighty God
bless and keep you forever
