John 13:3-5 says, “3 Yeshua, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from Elohim and was going back to Elohim, 4 got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself. 5 Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.”  One commentary appropriately noted that “normally it would be a disciple that would serve their teacher as Elisha served Elijah and Joshua served Moses.”  But Yeshua goes further by representing that the teacher should be the servant of all.  Disciples typically imitate their teachers.  So, what Yeshua demonstrates, the disciples will imitate.  Yeshua taught this, as did Paul, when he said, “Imitate me as I imitate Messiah.” (1 Corinthians 11:1, 4:6)  In Philippians 3:17 Paul says, “Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.”

As we continue reading in John 13 we see that Peter objects to the idea of Yeshua washing his feet, but Yeshua says in response to him, “…What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter.” This is a great pattern that we do not have to wait until we fully understand something before we obey. As we obey, the understanding comes.  Walking forward in obedience positions us to see more clearly the “whys” of what we’re doing.  How many of us have gone through things that made no sense to begin with, but as time moved on it began to fall into place? Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your works to YHVH and your plans will be established.”  We can see a pattern here that we have to commit before establishment.  This is the same concept as obey and then understanding comes.

John 13:12 says, “So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know [understand] what I have done to you?” So after they submitted and allowed Him to wash their feet, Yeshua begins to explain the “why”!!!  Please read all of John 13 with eyes to understand one of the last messages Yeshua gave His disciples.  It’s an important one.  Servanthood and Stewardship.

 So may we receive today the Spirit of Understanding that what Yeshua demonstrates, the disciples will imitate!!

Shalom & Blessings,

Courtesy of
River of Life Tabernacle
Tammy McLendon
Great peace have they who love Your law. Psalm 119:165a