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By Mike Caton

John 13:11, For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not everyone was clean.

We know this is a reference to Judas, who was going to betray Jesus. We know that the devil has already prompted Judas to betray Jesus. We know that Jesus knows what is about to happen. And we know that Jesus still washes Judas’ feet with the same tenderness and compassion that he had for everyone else. Jesus knows this whole crowd is not clean.

But think about it for a few minutes. It will not be long before all the disciples will scatter in the garden when Jesus is arrested. And Peter will deny Jesus three times before the rooster crows. It sounds to me like there is a lot of uncleanliness going around! But we also know that, with the exception of Judas, all of them will come back to Jesus. Maybe that is something we need to think about and focus on. How often do we allow ourselves to become unclean when we deny or dismiss Jesus? How often do we falter and fail each day? As hard as we might try, none of us are perfect. And Jesus knows that. He always offers us that opportunity to return to him.

But how quick are we to come back when we fail? I know if I have a dirty job, the first part of getting dirty is the bad part. Once I am dirty, it doesn’t seem to matter how much dirtier I get, I just want to get the job done. But when I am finished, I want to get cleaned up. Sin is not just a dirty job that we have to do, we understand that. But sometimes, when we fail and sin, it seems we are too ashamed to admit it, we don’t want to come back to God and seek his forgiveness, and so we simply continue to wallow in the filth. But the truth is, we need to come clean, we need to seek the washing that only Jesus can provide. We need to get out of the nastiness and return to God.

Father, help me always seek your cleansing. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mike Caton is the preacher at Mount Olive Church of Christ in Belhaven. He volunteers at the Ponzer Fire Department and works part time with Hyde County EMS. If you would like to receive daily devotions in your inbox, email mikecaton@centurylink.net.

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