Revcort's Ramblings

Scripture Focus

“He came to Simon Peter, who said to Him, ‘Lord, do You wash my feet?’ Jesus answered him, ‘What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.’ … Jesus said to him, ‘The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean.’” — John 13:6–10 (ESV)

Devotional Thought

The conversation between Jesus and Peter in the upper room reveals a crucial truth about both salvation and daily fellowship with God.

Peter’s first reaction seems humble, even reverent. He cannot imagine his Lord stooping so low as to wash his feet. In Peter’s mind, the roles are backwards. Yet Jesus is intentionally turning expectations upside down. This is not humiliation—it is instruction. Jesus is teaching His disciples that greatness in His kingdom is marked by humility, service, and love expressed in action.

When Jesus tells Peter that refusing the washing would mean having “no share” with Him, Peter swings to the opposite extreme. If washing brings fellowship, then wash everything. But once again, Peter misunderstands. Jesus gently corrects him with words every believer must understand: “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet.”

Jesus is drawing a clear distinction between justification and daily repentance. The one who has been bathed—saved, forgiven, made clean, justified—does not need to be saved again. Salvation is not repeated. The cleansing from sin accomplished by Christ is complete and sufficient. Baptism beautifully symbolizes this once-for-all cleansing.

Yet believers still walk through a fallen world. Feet get dirty. Sin still occurs—not because salvation failed, but because we still live in the flesh. When that happens, our relationship with God remains secure, but our fellowship is disrupted. That is why repentance remains a regular, necessary part of the Christian life.

We do not need to be rebaptized. We do not need to be “born again” again. We do not need a priestly mediator. We need what Jesus illustrated with water and towel—humble confession, honest repentance, and renewed fellowship. As Scripture assures us, when we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse.

Jesus’ lesson comforts us deeply: salvation is secure, but repentance keeps our walk close.

Reflection Questions

1. Why do believers sometimes struggle to accept both Christ’s humility and His authority?
2. How does understanding the difference between salvation and fellowship bring peace?
3. Are there areas in your daily walk where “dirty feet” need to be brought honestly before the Lord?
4. How does regular repentance shape humility and gratitude in your life?

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for washing me completely through Your saving grace. Help me walk humbly before You, quick to confess and quick to repent. Keep my heart tender and my fellowship with You restored each day. Teach me to serve others as You have served me. Amen.