John chapter 13 Christ kneels down and washes the feet of all the disciples including Judas. Christ knew Judas was getting ready to betray Him and yet He made Himself the lowest of servants. Christ told them that they do not understand why He was doing this but they would soon.
How do you think the disciples felt the nexy day after His arrest? They scattered when He was taken. They walked with Him daily for 3 years. They knew Him as well as anyone could. They knew He was the Master, Savior, Christ. They felt shame, they hung their heads. So what did they see? The feet that Christ had just washed to show they are forgiven.
He washed the feet of the man who would betray Him and the man that was going to be indwelled by satan. Amazing He forgave the ulitimate betrayer. He forgave before the sin occured. He allowed Himself to be tortured and gave His bood to forgive our sin before we even were born or committed a sin.
We are called to be like Christ. So do we forgive before we are wronged? Do we forgive after we are wronged? He is innocent and He forgave first. We are sometimes the innocent one so just like Him we should step out and forgive the guilty first. We can spiritually wash the feet of the ones that hurt us ex husband, wife, sibling, parent, spouse, child, friend, co worker, employer, employee the list goes on and on. Be like Christ and forgive and forget.
Okay, so I never really thought so much about a "spiritual" foot washing. I always took it as literal. I have been guilty at times of "forgiving", but NOT forgetting. That is a phrase that is easier said than done. By not forgetting, is forgiveness "null and void". Would you be like Christ if you truly forgive, but don't forget? Or, must you do both?
ReplyDeleteWell I would have to say that He forgive and forgets so we would have to do both. Yes that would be tough.
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