Today's Scripture:

John 13:1-17 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Read: Reflect on a story in your life that pertains to this scripture.
During Lent, we journey toward the cross, reflecting on Christ's sacrificial love. Jesus, knowing His time had come, chose to serve rather than be served. He, the Son of God, humbled Himself to cleanse the feet of those who would soon betray Him. This moment reminds us that true greatness in God’s kingdom is found in humility and service. In this season of repentance and renewal, let us consider how we can embody Christ’s love. Whether through acts of kindness, seeking reconciliation, forgiveness, or simply listening to someone in need, we are called to live out the servant-hearted love of Jesus.

Reflect: What is this scripture telling you during this season?
I am at a point in my career and life where I've had to humble myself a lot lately, so this passage is a fitting message from the Lord about loving your enemies and just the POWER of love to transform all things materially and spiritually.

Respond: How is this scripture calling you to respond?
With Prayer: Lord Jesus, create in me a heart of humility and compassion, so that I may reflect ever more of Your love in my daily life. Amen.

About Emily Schulz:
I've worked in healthcare as a treatment coordinator for a private dental practices for over 20 years. Growing up, I was a Red Raider (my parents worked at Texas Tech, and I was born on campus!), but then became a Longhorn and eventually a Cougar! My daughter Sophia wants to be an Aggie, but we'll forgive her for this. I love to sing, and you'll see me in the choir loft most Sundays. I also volunteer and sit on the board for a non-profit community choir celebrating its 40th year, Houston Masterworks Chorus, and I am co-CLT for the Buffalo Trail Girl Scout Community, which leads recruitment and serves over 50 troops in the West Houston area.
We became covenant partners in 2013, when Sophia was still in pre-K. I joined choir, and Sophia became friends with a core group of students who have grown up together, weathered COVID and all the restrictions during their middle school years, and now are blossoming into faith-filled young adults thanks to the Lord's hand and all the staff and volunteers that pour their faith and love into our young people. Grace will forever be our home church where we all grew into followers of Jesus. I was honored to become a deacon 2 years ago and enjoy all the new ways to give back in my role on the Prayer Team. I help out with Student Sunday to raise money for the students and mission trips, and I went on my first overseas mission trip in 2023 with Living Water to the Dominican Republic. That experience and the support of Grace to be able to go was life-changing for me as well.