Not because they deserve it

Just before Christmas I was reading the account of Jesus washing his disciples' feet.

It struck me afresh:

Jesus washed the feet of Judas.  He knew Judas was about to betray him to death.

Jesus washed the feet of Peter. He knew Peter was about to deny him three times.

Jesus washed the feet of the rest of the disciples. He knew they would all desert him and run away in his darkest hour.

He knew their weakness.  He knew they would doubt. He knew they would fail him.

But he washed their feet. He served them. He modelled humility.

Then he said:
"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet" John 13: 14

And so there we have it. No excuses.

He has washed our sins away by his blood. Not because we deserve it. Not because we've earnt it. He has poured out his love upon us.

We are called as His disciples, to serve one another in humility.

Not just those who deserve it.
Not just those who earn it.
Not just those who appreciate it.

 But all our brothers and sisters in Christ.

We pour out love and service in humility because we follow the example of Christ:

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8

Hallelujah! What a Saviour!