After Jesus washes the apostles’ feet, he says, “Now that you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.”
John 13:17
Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:
- In this mystical passage from the Gospel Writer called John, Jesus knows his earthly time is limited. So, he reminds the apostles to live compassionately and wisely in the world and share what he has taught them.
- This message also relates to the wisdom shared by the Writers called Mark (6:11), Matthew (10:14), and Luke (9:5) in which Jesus says: “If any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you depart and leave those people to their own choices.”
- Jesus is a mystic, master teacher, healer, and wayshower for multitudes because he fully embodies his absolute divinity and acts as he is God guided. He willingly washes the apostles’ feet because he wants them to have the same understanding he has.
- Feet are a powerful symbol throughout sacred scripture. They represent action, grounding, and spiritual understanding. They’re the strong, solid foundation upon which you build your life and engage with the outer world. Mystically, shaking dust off your feet and washing your feet means removing from consciousness (mindset) anything that blocks your pure knowing (intuition) and recognition of your divinity (the Christ), your pure soul essence.
- Unity Minister Rev. Mary Kupferle taught that Jesus set an example for everyone. She says, “He prayed often, but he moved his hands and feet [so] God could work freely and abundantly through him.” She also assures you that “the more joyously” you cooperate with God, “the more easily, happily, and successfully you will complete each step of your journey.”
- Being spiritually strong on your own two feet means taking responsibility for yourself and your choices. As you grow in spiritual maturity, you recognize that knowledge for its own sake is useless because life isn’t one final destination. It’s a series of many journeys, all culminating—if you allow it—in deep soul growth. Ultimately, you must apply what you know so that what you desire and what you’re demonstrating become the same.
Contemplation Questions:
As you reflect on your life and circumstances, ask yourself:
- Where do I want to be in my life now?
- List, word map, or illustrate the destinations.
- When I reflect on these destinations, what can I do to get there?
- List, word map, or illustrate what’s yours to do.
- When I reflect on these destinations, what do I need to let others do to be responsible for themselves?
- List, word map, or illustrate what you must allow.
- In what ways do my actions express my pure soul essence?
- List, word map, or illustrate all the ways.
Use this devotional anytime you want to reflect on your actions and demonstrations. As you do, remember that the first step of any journey is only difficult if you expect to reach the mountaintop in a single bound today. So, wherever you’re going now, know that you have the wisdom, strength, and faith to stand on your own two feet. Put one foot in front of the other, and trust your intuition and understanding to guide your way.
© 2025 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.
Photo from Shutterstock by AlyoshinE.
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