Hosanna Restoration Church

If we are honest, we will admit that we all like to be blessed. However, I think we would also agree that it feels even better to bless someone else. There are of course those who prefer to be takers only, but as a rule they are not happy people. When they do give it is because they plan to get something back. The New King James version says it this way. “If you know these things, happy are you if you do them.” In other words, if you want to be happy go out and bless someone.

It is a fact that people who bless people get blessed. It is really sad that people become jealous of other people’s blessings. They do not realize that this puts a stop to their own ability to be blessed. Have you ever wondered why we try to figure out everyone else’s business when we don’t even have our own in order? Don’t get caught in the devil’s trap of cursing yourself by judging how God blesses others.

A couple of obvious things went on in this time that Jesus was washing the disciples feet. First of all, He showed the full extent of His love. (Vs.1) He washed each of their feet, including the very one that would betray him. Why did Judas betray him? He betrayed Him because he did not like the way Jesus was doing things. He thought he could force Jesus to set up the kingdom and get a greater blessing for Himself.

Next, Jesus educated Peter about the importance of doing things His way. Peter sounded righteous enough, not wanting Jesus to lower Himself to wash his feet, but Jesus said if you don’t do it my way you are not mine. Then Peter decided to “allow” Jesus to do his whole body. Again Peter thought he was being super spiritual, but in fact He was still trying to tell Jesus how to run His business. We do well when we realize that Jesus knows what He is doing and that we will do well if we simply follow His lead.

Washing the feet of guests was usually reserved for the servants. Jesus was showing them that everything He did was important and that everything they would ever do in His name would be of equal importance.

Jesus also knew that they often had discussions as to who would be greatest and what they were going to get out of being so important in His Kingdom. After all, as they traveled with Jesus they saw Him blessing everyone. They were a part of giving to a multitude of people. As they did this, all of their needs were met. It would seem that they must have also had enough to meet the needs of their families who were left behind as they traveled. All in all, they were doing pretty well. Still they were waiting for the big pay off.

Jesus answered the question by telling them to follow the example He just gave them. If they would they would be on the path of blessing. In other words, “Give and it will be given unto you.”