Day 82

Deuteronomy 11–12 | John 13:1–20

J and Monica’s backyard is quiet now.

The lights are still strung overhead. The tables are empty. The music has stopped. But just a few hours ago, this place was filled with joy.

Laughter. Dancing. Vows spoken and celebrated. Families gathered to witness a covenant.

And beneath it all, a dozen people running around behind the scenes to make it happen—hauling chairs, refilling drinks, wiping counters, clearing plates.

Because before there’s a celebration, there’s always service.

Before the spotlight, there’s always a towel.

A Savior Who Stoops

In John 13, Jesus knows what’s coming.

He knows that the hour has arrived—the hour of betrayal, the hour of arrest, the hour of the cross. He knows the weight of what’s ahead.

And what does He do?

“He laid aside His outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around His waist.” (John 13:4)

The King of heaven, wrapping Himself in the posture of a servant.

The One with all authority stooping low to wash feet covered in dust.

It was shocking. Undignified. Unthinkable.

But it was exactly who Jesus is.

Not a Savior who demands to be served.

A Savior who serves.

And not just in metaphor, but with a basin in His hands.

Service Isn’t Below Us

Peter objected.

“You shall never wash my feet.” (John 13:8)

Because that’s what we do, isn’t it?

We’re fine following Jesus as long as it doesn’t mean letting Him near the mess. We want Him to teach us, lead us, forgive us—but stoop to serve us? That feels too backward.

But Jesus insists: unless we let Him wash us, we have no share with Him.

Because real love is humbling.

And real leadership always looks like a towel.

Backyard Gospel

Tonight, I saw it.

Not just the vows or the rings or the ceremony—but the dozen little ways people loved behind the scenes.

The trash was taken out. Chairs were rearranged. Plates were washed.

Nobody was trying to impress. Everyone was trying to help.

And in those moments, I saw a picture of Jesus.

Because this is the call—not just to know the truth, but to do it.

“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14)

We don’t just believe the Gospel—we embody it.

We don’t just proclaim grace—we display it.

In ordinary acts of humility. In unseen acts of love. In the thousand little ways we show up for each other with a towel in our hands.

The Blessing Is in the Doing

Deuteronomy 11 says it this way:

“You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul… You shall teach them to your children… You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 11:18–20)

Because love isn’t just something we feel. It’s something we practice.

We let His Word shape us.

We let His Spirit soften us.

We let His example lead us to do what doesn’t come naturally.

And the promise?

“Blessed are you if you do them.” (John 13:17)

Not just if you understand. Not just if you believe.

If you do.

From the Towel to the Table

The wedding tonight reminded me of what we’re all waiting for—the Great Wedding Feast to come. The table Jesus is preparing. The celebration no one can ruin. The joy no one can take away.

But until that day?

We serve.

We love.

We stoop.

Because Jesus did.

Lord, help me live this way. Not just believing in You but becoming like You. Give me a heart willing to stoop. Hands ready to serve. A life shaped by the towel, not the throne. Because that’s where true joy is found. Amen.