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Ask God: It is the day before Jesus is crucified by death on the cross. He is preparing them for His departure and how to be servants in His kingdom.

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Good Evening Reader,

What would you want to do if you knew that you had one more day to live on this earth? Jesus, by example, showed His disciples what their attitude should be and what they should be concerned about.

Know that God is with you always!

All Glory to God.

Elvin

Jesus Prepares His Disciples for the Kingdom of God

In the thirteenth chapter of John, John gives us a window of the actions of Jesus the day before He would leave this earth. Jesus knew He would be arrested and crucified the following day. It is interesting to see what He did before He was arrested. What would you do? Who would you want to spend your last hours with?

"It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God;so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him" (John 13:1,3-5).

John 13 gives us a window into the heart of Jesus the day before His crucifixion—His fellowship with His disciples, the washing of their feet, and His humility and love. If believers knew they were departing this world the next day, would their thoughts and actions mirror some of the same priorities we see in Jesus?

Some believers might reflect on their faith journey and whether they had fulfilled the calling God gave them. Some would ponder over the "I wish I had done" list.

Some may call family and friends not to talk about the weather but to speak of love and truth. They may feel an urgency to say the most important things, such as "I love you," "I'm proud of you," maybe to say, "I'm sorry," or simply say, "Follow Jesus."

These actions would probably reflect what the believer would consider the most essential things in life. Jesus prepared His disciples by teaching them about service, love, and leaving loved ones more prepared to live.

What would you consider your most important message to those you were leaving behind? These are profound things to ponder, and it is good to ponder them and act on them before your last days.

Peter Reacts to Jesus Washing His Feet

It is interesting that Peter did not react to Jesus washing the feet of the other disciples but reacted strongly when Jesus attempted to wash his feet. Why do you think Peter reacted this way?

" He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"

Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."

"No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet."

Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me."

"Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!"

Jesus answered, "Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean" (John 13:6-11).

Have you ever read something in the Bible and decided it wasn't how it should be? Did you then determine to do it your own way?

Peter felt He had a better way and told Jesus his way was better. I am sure Peter meant well, but he did not fully understand Jesus' mission. Peter certainly did not understand God's purpose. So, Peter decided that his way was better even though he knew Jesus was the Messiah who had come to earth to save mankind.

Peter's reaction to Jesus washing his feet reveals something many believers struggle with—the tension between surrendering to God's will and our self-will. Like Peter, we often mean well, but we resist what we don't fully understand or want to serve Jesus on our own terms instead of submitting to His.

Maybe Peter felt uncomfortable with Jesus humbling Himself and tried to take control of the moment—"This doesn't make sense, Lord. Let's do it my way." Doing things God's way requires trust and humility. Peter was not there yet.

Choosing Convenience Over Obedience

Being a follower of Jesus isn't always convenient! Jesus calls His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23). This means putting Jesus first in our lives and doing the things God has proposed us to do. It doesn't mean everyone should be a preacher or a missionary; it means putting God first. Putting God first is glorifying God, which is our duty and purpose.

Unfortunately, we often choose what feels right or easy over God's commands. For example, avoiding forgiveness because it is hard—even though Jesus commands it (Matthew 6:13-14). Forgiveness is for our benefit. Jesus said, "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."

God Will for You and Me

John was guided to include Peter's reaction to remind us that we often act as Peter did. We frequently think we have a better way, but do we?

In God's kingdom, He knows what is best for us. It is our responsibility to seek God and His will for us daily.

Jesus showed us the way to knowing God's will. He made it a priority to pray early in the morning, often before the day began. These quiet moments revealed His deep connection with the Father. They set an example for believers to start their day in communion with God.

It is easy to rationalize that we do not have time to pray because we just have too much to do—the kids, the demanding job, and many responsibilities. Jesus had the same routine. He was busy with the kids (the thousands of followers), the job (He only had 3 years to complete His job), and His responsibilities (Jesus had the responsibility of saving the world). Yes, Jesus was busy, but He found time to pray.

Seek God, Not What Feels Good

Jesus said, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me" (John 13:8).

Unfortunately, many believers resist spiritual cleansing. They want to hold onto sin in their lives by avoiding accountability or correction. God wants you cleansed so He can fellowship with you and guide you in all things.

It hinders our prayers if we knowingly cling to sin and refuse to repent. It isn't God's inability to hear but His unwillingness to respond when we harbor rebellion. But, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 4:9).

God is so loving and wants to fellowship with us. Let us give up those things in our lives that separate us from God. This opens the door to God's blessings.

Jesus, the Servant.

Ask God For Help

Christian faith

Reader,

Hosea said his people were destroyed for lack of knowledge. Knowledge give believers and non-believers a choice. When a person does not know, they cannot choose.

Feel free to forward this lesson to your friends and family.

Grow in the knowledge of God.

Elvin

Send your comments to elvin.aycock@AskGodForHelp.net and let me know what you think of the lessons.

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