“So [Jesus] got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.” John 13:4
Years ago we had a cleaning lady come over to our house for a few hours each week to tend to some of the household chores that we neglected. I would always get a kick out of my wife the night before the lady would come that following morning. She would get all busy with dusting, vacuuming, cleaning the toilets, and making sure the place was neat and tidy. I would sometimes ask her, “Why are you doing all of this? Isn’t this why we’re having her come over?” She would always say something to the effect of, “I don’t want her to think we live like pigs!”
I don’t know about you, but I’m so thankful that I didn’t have to clean myself up before coming to Jesus. I was pretty dirty when He found me. But that didn’t matter to Him. He took me, dirt and all.
Every time I read John’s account of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet in the Upper Room, I think about that day when I gave my life over to Him. That my King would meet me in that cold and lonely place where I’d been living for far too long, in the filth of my sin and shame…. His towel wrapped around His waist, saying, “It’s alright now. You’re safe with me. You don’t have to run any longer. I’m here with you. Let’s get you cleaned up.”
I fought Him my entire life. I cursed Him. I blamed Him. I defied Him. And yet, there He was when I most needed Him.
O, He’s more than a friend. He’s my Savior.
The blood and tears
How can it be?
There’s a God who weeps
There’s a God who bleeds
Oh, praise the One
Who would reach for me
Hallelujah to the Son of suffering!
– Son of Suffering, 2021 Bethel Music
Former Blackout Artist 