John 13:1-11
Then He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around Him. – John 13:5
Forgiveness is something we all struggle with. At some point, we’ve been hurt or wronged, and even Jesus was no exception. In today’s passage, He gives us a powerful example of forgiveness—one that leaves no room for holding grudges. Seated at the table with His disciples, Jesus fully knew that Judas would betray Him and Peter would deny Him. Yet, His response was one of grace.
Jesus didn’t just speak about forgiveness; He lived it out. He kneeled and washed the feet of His disciples, selflessly served them—including the very ones who would turn their backs on Him. He made no exceptions. His forgiveness is freely given, regardless of what someone has done or will do.
Dear brothers and sisters, today is Ash Wednesday. It marks the beginning of Lent, a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal for our spiritual lives. It is a time when we are reminded of our own brokenness and need for grace. In church tradition, the ashes on our foreheads symbolise both our mortality, our spiritual poverty and our desperate need and dependence on God’s mercy. Just as Jesus forgave those who betrayed Him, He invites us to receive His forgiveness, through his humble service and ministry of sacrifice, which is necessary to have the relationship with Him.
It’s easy to read this passage and be shocked that these men could betray Jesus after sitting at the table with Him. We might wonder how He could still offer them forgiveness, while at the same time falsely believing we could never do the same for those who have hurt us. Ash Wednesday calls us to humility—to recognise that we, too, have turned away from God in different ways. And yet, He still loves us. He still kneels to wash our feet.
The turning point comes when we realize that we are no different from the men at that table. We have denied Jesus in our own ways—through our actions, choices, and failures—yet He still comes to us with love and grace. Lent is a time to reflect on this undeserved mercy and to allow it to transform us. And that grace isn’t meant to stop with us. It’s something we are called to extend to others.
As we begin this season of Lent, may we approach it with hearts open to repentance and reconciliation. May we receive Christ’s forgiveness fully and share it freely with those around us.
Reflection:
Have you accepted Jesus’ forgiveness in your life? Are there things you struggle to believe He would forgive? Jesus invites you to go to Him even when you feel unworthy of God’s grace. Let him wash your feet today.
Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? What step can you take today to extend that forgiveness and serve them like Jesus has selflessly washed the disciple’s feet?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, as we begin this season of Lent, we humble our hearts before you. We acknowledge our sins, our failures, and the ways we have turned away from You. Yet, in Your mercy, You continue to love us, to cleanse us, and to call us back to You. Lord, just as You forgave those who denied and betrayed You, teach us to forgive. Soften our hearts toward those who have wronged us, and help us extend the grace that You so freely give. May this Lent be a time of renewal, drawing us closer to You and shaping us to be more like Christ. In His precious name, we pray. Amen.
Forgiveness is something we all struggle with. At some point, we’ve been hurt or wronged, and even Jesus was no exception. In today’s passage, He gives us a powerful example of forgiveness—one that leaves no room for holding grudges. Seated at the table with His disciples, Jesus fully knew that Judas would betray Him and Peter would deny Him. Yet, His response was one of grace.
Jesus didn’t just speak about forgiveness; He lived it out. He kneeled and washed the feet of His disciples, selflessly served them—including the very ones who would turn their backs on Him. He made no exceptions. His forgiveness is freely given, regardless of what someone has done or will do.
Dear brothers and sisters, today is Ash Wednesday. It marks the beginning of Lent, a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal for our spiritual lives. It is a time when we are reminded of our own brokenness and need for grace. In church tradition, the ashes on our foreheads symbolise both our mortality, our spiritual poverty and our desperate need and dependence on God’s mercy. Just as Jesus forgave those who betrayed Him, He invites us to receive His forgiveness, through his humble service and ministry of sacrifice, which is necessary to have the relationship with Him.
It’s easy to read this passage and be shocked that these men could betray Jesus after sitting at the table with Him. We might wonder how He could still offer them forgiveness, while at the same time falsely believing we could never do the same for those who have hurt us. Ash Wednesday calls us to humility—to recognise that we, too, have turned away from God in different ways. And yet, He still loves us. He still kneels to wash our feet.
The turning point comes when we realize that we are no different from the men at that table. We have denied Jesus in our own ways—through our actions, choices, and failures—yet He still comes to us with love and grace. Lent is a time to reflect on this undeserved mercy and to allow it to transform us. And that grace isn’t meant to stop with us. It’s something we are called to extend to others.
As we begin this season of Lent, may we approach it with hearts open to repentance and reconciliation. May we receive Christ’s forgiveness fully and share it freely with those around us.
Reflection:
Have you accepted Jesus’ forgiveness in your life? Are there things you struggle to believe He would forgive? Jesus invites you to go to Him even when you feel unworthy of God’s grace. Let him wash your feet today.
Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? What step can you take today to extend that forgiveness and serve them like Jesus has selflessly washed the disciple’s feet?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, as we begin this season of Lent, we humble our hearts before you. We acknowledge our sins, our failures, and the ways we have turned away from You. Yet, in Your mercy, You continue to love us, to cleanse us, and to call us back to You. Lord, just as You forgave those who denied and betrayed You, teach us to forgive. Soften our hearts toward those who have wronged us, and help us extend the grace that You so freely give. May this Lent be a time of renewal, drawing us closer to You and shaping us to be more like Christ. In His precious name, we pray. Amen.