The world where God encounters you
by Jacob Traeger
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end (John 13:1).
Read John 13:1–17,31b–35
The world occupies an ambiguous place in John’s Gospel. On the one hand, it stands condemned, a place of unbelief, ruled by Satan and estranged from God. On the other hand, it is God’s love for the world that means Jesus is sent – not to condemn the world, but that it might be saved through him. When Jesus prays for his disciples, he doesn’t ask that we be taken out of the world, but that we would be kept safe within it. And when Jesus serves, he serves in the world.
Washing his disciples’ feet is such a practical way of showing service and love. Jesus gets his hands dirty so that his disciples can be clean. He takes on a role that is shameful and degrading. Jesus’ action must have made a powerful impression on John and the other disciples. We read a detailed description in verses four and five of Jesus getting up, tying a towel around himself, pouring water and then washing feet.
This is what God’s power and influence in the world look like in action. The Jesus whose feet were anointed with precious nard is not above washing the feet of his followers – the ones who we might expect to serve him.
As Jesus’ followers, the world occupies an ambiguous place for us as well. The world is a place full of attractions, and the siren calls of wealth, comfort and power are strong. The world is the place where the evil one wants to draw you away from faith in Christ.
But it is in this same world that Christ encounters you, not in condemnation, but in loving service. Jesus comes into the world to bring cleansing and refreshment. He comes into the world to make us agents of his cleansing and new life: ‘So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet’ (verse 14).
Humble service is God’s way of blessing. It’s God’s way of disarming the powers of this world. It’s God’s way of transformation.
Lord Jesus, lead me to love the world and those in it as you do. Free me from finding my identity in my possessions, relationships, wealth or comfort. Guide me to thanksgiving in your gifts, open my eyes to see you encountering me in the world, and open my hands in service of others. Amen.
Jacob lives with his wife, Kate, in Canberra, where he serves as a pastor in the Molonglo Valley Gospel Community church plant. He loves that Canberra is a place full of interesting people, where Christians can serve, bless and pray for those making big decisions for Australia. In his downtime, you’ll find him hiking, cycling, playing board games or making homebrew with friends.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
