Note 5 at Joh 13:8: Peter's refusal to let Jesus wash his feet came from a knowledge that he was totally unworthy to have the sinless Son of God serve him as would a common servant. Peter was correct in his assessment of his relative worth, but what he missed was that God doesn't minister to us because of our worth but because of His love (Ro 5:8 and 1Jo 4:8).

Even though Peter's attitude looked so holy and humble, he was actually resisting God's will and committing an act of pride. Pride is not only exalting yourself above what is proper, but it can also be debasing yourself below what is proper. Pride is simply self-centeredness, or being self-willed, instead of God-centeredness, or being submitted to God's will. Peter should have been humble enough to know that Jesus knew what He was doing and should have submitted himself to His will.

Likewise today, some people refuse to let God bless them (Ps 35:27), thinking they are unworthy of His favor. While it is true that people's actions don't warrant God's goodness, truly humble people will receive the Lord's blessings as an expression of His love and grace. Misguided humility is every bit as damaging as exaggerated pride.

Note 6 at Joh 13:8: This is the same principle that the Lord used when ministering to Abram in Ge 12:2. God said, "I will bless thee...and thou shalt be a blessing."

Peter wanted to serve Jesus but not to be served by Jesus. Jesus was telling Peter that unless he received Jesus' ministry to him, Peter would be unfit to serve Him. We cannot cleanse others or ourselves. We are totally dependent on the work of God's grace in our lives. Then and only then are we equipped to minister to others.

Before we can be the blessing that we desire to be to God or to others, we have to let God be the blessing to us that He desires to be.