Even If

After facing much opposition for His teaching, Jesus was betrayed by Judas, deserted by His disciples, crucified and died. Three days later He rose from the grave and appeared to the disciples, which confirmed that He is indeed the King of Kings.

Let us back up a moment and look at what happened in His last days and how He treated those around Him. Let us remember that He KNEW full well that Judas was going to betray him, yet He washed Judas’ feet:

“Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”

English Standard Version, 2016, John 13:1-5

Washing guests’ feet was a job for the household servant to carry out when guests arrived. Let’s put into context what it was like then as well … people’s feet were covered in dirt, feces and very unclean. Yet Jesus, the King of Kings, lowered himself and washed and dried each of His disciple’s feet … even Judas’ feet.

God in flesh completed a job the lowliest servant would do. Are you willing to follow Christ’s example of serving? Even if it is hard? Even if you know they are talking about you behind your back, disparaging your name? Even if you know you will be betrayed? 

I know I haven’t always done this and it is definitely not easy.

“When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.”

English Standard Version, 2016, John 12:12-16

Jesus’ display of servitude is one of humility, kindness and love. Let us be reminded this Easter season, not only of the Father’s extraordinary love for us by sending His Son to die on the cross for us sinners who don’t deserve it but let us be reminded to show servitude to others like Jesus did for Judas, who that very same evening betrayed Him. Even if it is hard. Even if you feel the other person “doesn’t deserve it.” Even if it is done in quiet and not seen by others.

Even if.

EVEN IF….