“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. “I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill this passage of Scripture: ‘He who shared my bread has turned against me.’ “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am. Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.” After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.”
—John 13:13-21

~~~~~

Love That Washes Even Betrayers’ Feet
By Jennifer Kane

He knelt,
not to accuse,
but to cleanse.
Hands that shaped the stars
cupped calloused heels—
even his.

The one with silver in his heart,
with footsteps already turned toward darkness—
he was not skipped.
Not shamed.
Not named.
Only served.

A basin of water,
a towel wrapped low,
a whisper of love
spilled over soil-soaked soles.
Judas,
still warm with brotherhood,
sat honored,
trusted,
touched.

The bread—
broken and passed—
was not withheld.
Love dipped it gently,
offered it tenderly,
and watched as fingers
closed around grace
only to carry it away
into the night.

No protest,
no storm,
just release.

And then—
with betrayal gone out into the cold—
the room breathed again.
The Word spoke
of vines and branches,
of joy and obedience,
of a love that lays itself down.

This is not the love
of sentiment,
but of surrender.
Not reserved
for the faithful,
but poured out
for the fallen.

He loved them to the end.
Even the one
who chose
to leave.

~~~~~

Scripture: John 13:1-35

John 13 opens with quiet power: Jesus, fully aware that His hour had come, chose to demonstrate His love in the most intimate, unexpected way. He washed His disciples’ feet—all of them. Including Judas.

Judas had already arranged to betray Jesus (v.2). Yet Jesus gave him the place of honor at the table, gently bent to wash the dirt off his feet, and even handed him bread—a personal, affectionate gesture in Jewish culture. This was not ignorance or denial. Jesus knew the condition of Judas’ heart and loved him anyway.

Jesus’ love is not performance-based. It is not withheld from those who wound Him. It is a love that humbles itself to serve, even when unreciprocated. This challenges us: Do we serve only those we trust? Do we love only those who love us back?

When Judas left, something shifted. The betrayer was gone—and Jesus turned His full attention to preparing His true followers. He began to speak of love, fruitfulness, and abiding in Him (John 13–17). It’s as if the act of letting go of the false allowed room for deeper truth and connection to blossom.

Jesus didn’t stop Judas from leaving. Sometimes, part of spiritual growth is releasing what (or who) is not aligned with God’s will—even if they once walked beside us.

Jesus loved even His betrayer: He didn’t expose Judas to the others. He honored him, served him, and handed him bread. True love serves, even when it knows rejection is coming.

Jesus knew the difference between public reputation and private heart: Judas was trusted and respected by the group, but Jesus saw deeper. May we remember that God sees our hearts, not just our roles or titles.

Sometimes betrayal makes space for greater revelation: Once Judas left, Jesus began teaching about love, fruitfulness, and the Holy Spirit. Letting go of what isn’t truly for you may open the way to more of Jesus’ voice and presence.

Is there someone in your life who has hurt you, yet you’re still called to serve or love them? How can you show Christlike humility without compromising truth?

Are there “Judases” in your life—people, habits, or thoughts—that you need to release so that you can hear Jesus more clearly?

How can you love like Jesus today—not sentimentally, but through humble service?

~~~~~

Lord Jesus, thank You for the way You loved—even when You were betrayed. Help me to serve others with that same grace and humility. Reveal any places in my heart where I’m withholding love, or clinging to people or things that block Your voice. Teach me to abide in Your love and to bear fruit that honors You. Amen.

July 8 2025