When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. John 13:12

Understanding what other people are doing is something that does not commonly occur. Among people, misunderstanding happens more often than understanding.

All a person can see is the outward action, but are unable to see the true motive for the action. The actions are often misconstrued for the wrong reasons. Many will even take offense to actions done with the right heart or purpose.

While sitting and eating His last meal with the disciples, Jesus began to wash their feet. As He finished washing their feet, He asked them if they understood what He did for them.

During the biblical times people wore sandals and walked everywhere. Their feet would get extremely dirty. When they went into someone’s place, they would often be given some water to wash their feet. Each person would wash his own feet.

Instead of allowing the disciples to wash their own feet, Jesus washed their feet Himself. Not only had Jesus washed their feet, He also later paid for their sins, forgave them of their sins, did many healings, and gave each one life.

All these things were done for them and as an example to them. Believers are to put others before themselves. They are to humble themselves and serve others as they serve God, just as Jesus continues to serve.

This serving can come in washing feet, forgiving, giving a helping hand, teaching and many other ways. It is about loving the neighbor and the enemy as God loves them.

It will be a struggle for any believer to do any of these things, until he comes to a good understanding of what Jesus has done for him.

In the same way Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, He also has washed you clean of your sins. This was done in humility when He was dying upon the cross, cursed of His Father in heaven.

You are expected to be just like Jesus, humbling yourself to serve others as you serve God. Doing things for others is the same as doing it for God, but it takes putting others before yourself.

It takes understanding what He has done for you to do it for others.

Do you understand what He has done for you?

Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Savior; that you will understand what Jesus as done for you; that you will humble yourself to serve others as Jesus has served you; that you will know God’s love for you; and that you will have God’s love for others.