REFUSING GRACE

JOHN 13:6–8

Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have part with Me”

(John 13:8).

We do not have any record of what all the disciples thought of Jesus washing their feet. Most likely, they were perplexed and (let us hope) ashamed of the fact that Jesus was doing for them what they should have done for one another. Peter, however, was different. True to his usual form, he could not keep his thoughts to himself but blurted them out for all to hear. Impetuous and impulsive Peter! The same Peter who professed that Christ was the Son of the Living God and the same Peter who tried to keep Christ from going to the cross, once again displayed his impulsiveness by refusing to have his feet washed.

To Peter’s credit, he saw the incongruity of what was happening: The Lord of glory, on the one hand, and Peter’s dirty feet, on the other; what a contrast! In this light, the very thought of Jesus washing Peter’s feet was intolerable. This point is emphasized by his use of “thou” and “my.” The proper reading of his complaint is “Thou my feet wash?” Setting these side by side, we see the contrast between the dignity of Christ and the lowliness of Peter.

Despite Peter’s obvious respect for His master, he was putting his will above Jesus’. Instead of submitting to the service of His Lord, Peter presumed to know better. Here Jesus is holding forth an offer of the Gospel, and Peter is rejecting it. How typical of man’s reaction to grace! We think it impossible for God to do so much for us. We presume to think we must do it ourselves. What folly! The only way we can ever be cleansed is by accepting our Savior’s gift. He humbled Himself for us. Let us not reject it because we feel too unworthy. We are unworthy! That is the very reason why it is an act of grace. All we must do is accept His love.

Peter did not understand what was being done for him because he only saw in part. Jesus, however, saw the whole picture and knew that this act of service was an essential part of His role as mediator. Unless we are cleansed of our sins by the work of Christ, we will never share in the fruits of His redemptive merits. Jesus earned all things by His perfect obedience and sacrifice. He alone is the true Heir of glory. Therefore, only when we are “in Him” can we also be partakers, or joint-heirs, of that same glory.

CORAM DEO

Psalm 73–74

Romans 5

Do you ever find it difficult to accept Christ’s love? Do you ever think your sin unforgivable? Do you ever feel too unworthy to receive God’s grace? If you have ever reacted in this manner, realize that you are putting your wisdom above Christ’s. Kneel before Him today. Accept His forgiveness, and praise Him for His grace.

For further study: Matt. 16:21–23 • Luke 5:5–11 • John 13:36–38 • Acts 10:9–16

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