An Unusual Response

The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 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 13:2-5

Consider for a moment exactly what Jesus did when He washed the feet of the man who was going to betray Him. Jesus fully knew Judas and evil intentions of his heart. Jesus understood Judas completely, yet He didn’t respond like most men would.

With such full knowledge of this man and the situation, how could Jesus treat Judas this way? It was a beautiful demonstration of how a man could treat another differently than he deserved. Jesus redefined manhood.

In this instance, it would have been appropriate to call out Judas and his evil plan. Instead of responding this way, Jesus offers Himself through an act of servant-hood. An unusual response, Jesus shows us how to love even to the most difficult of men.

DO THIS TODAY: Respond in love to someone who does not deserve it.