Sometimes, we feel ignored or excluded by others not because they intentionally alienate us, but rather due to a mistaken impression they have about us. This misconception is often based on a flawed understanding of our preferences, likes, dislikes, or needs. Such misconceptions can easily lead to mismatch in expectations, giving rise to unnecessary misunderstandings.

Similarly, the image of God in our minds greatly influences our interactions with Him, thereby affecting our relationship with Him. If in our hearts, God is perceived only in a transcendent way, distant and exalted, then we will keep a respectful distance with Him. This is quite natural. By observing some parent-child relationships, you’ll see a similar pattern. If God desires to present Himself in a “supreme and lofty” manner, He cannot and will not blame us for keeping Him at arm’s length in our daily lives because, fundamentally, He doesn’t care. But is that the case?

The birth of Jesus and His presence among us not only reveals the transcendent aspect of God but also unveils the heart of God and His emotions.

The object of His emotional expression is not other created beings but us humans. It can be said that God has a very special and deep affection for us.

The Word became flesh and lived among us. This is a mystery. The profound meaning it contains is worthy of our repeated reflection! One crucial aspect of this is that God took on human nature and engaged with humanity on a relational level in the affairs of the present world. This emotional connection with God is often an aspect easily overlooked by ordinary believers, and it can even be said that there is a lack of awareness in this regard.

From the interactions between Jesus and His disciples, it is not difficult to observe that the disciples often did not understand the thoughts and needs of Jesus. This made Jesus feel saddened, not understood, unappreciated, and even lonely. If we carefully examine some of the conversations between Jesus and His disciples, we can easily discern that

Jesus did not want to assume the role of a lofty master. He desired to be a friend, to engage in heartfelt connections with people, to enter each other’s inner chambers, to accompany and trust each other, and to rely on each other to fulfill their immediate needs.

This inner resonance, compared to the disciples merely comprehending His teachings intellectually, brings more solace to the heart of Jesus.

For example: When Jesus was about to face His Passion and death, while eating the Passover meal with His disciples, He

“got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” (John 13:4-9)

The act of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet in the role of a servant and the dialogue with Peter reveal the kind of relationship Jesus desires to establish with His disciples. Besides teaching them to serve one another, He also demonstrates His willingness to enter into the details of our lives with the utmost kindness and humility, to accompany, guide, and teach us in a gentle and persuasive manner. If, like Peter, we refuse to let Jesus “wash our feet,” rejecting Him from our lives, meaning He cannot enter into the details of our lives to serve us, we can be certain that Jesus’ response to us will be the same – we would have no share with Him! Isn’t Jesus very clear in this regard?

If we can understand God’s humanity, His human touch, we can better enter into the heart of God, empathize with His needs, and comprehend His feelings towards us.

When we truly understand the emotions and intentions of God, His teachings will no longer appear rigid or difficult to accept. We will follow Him wholeheartedly, without reservation, and being a true follower of Christ becomes easier and more natural.

Reflection

Please imagine that Jesus is now standing before you, intending to wash your feet. How do you feel, and how would you respond to Him?

In your life, are there any areas where you do not allow God to enter, or where you resist accepting God’s help?

If God were to ask you once again right now: “Do you need me?” How would you respond?

Today’s Prayer

Lord, facing You and Your question, I am truly speechless. Indeed, “Lord, not only my feet but also wash my hands and my head!” Please cleanse me thoroughly! How can I refuse You from entering into my life, every detail of my life, even the broken and fragile parts, to repair and heal me?

I need You to teach and accompany me through this more intimate relationship between You and me!

Lord, I truly cannot afford to lose You!

Fundraising Appeal

The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: Finding God in All Things” team, including FLL staff and volunteers.
Please kindly pray for them. May God protect them and sustain their physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Project Manager: Michael Lam
Writer: Paul Yeung
Editors: Bonny Chan, Rosa Tse
English Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul Yeung
Mandarin Editor: Anthony X.
Cantonese Narrator: Margaret Woo
English Narrator: Bonny Chan
Mandarin Narrators: Rene Ren
Audio Editors: Fonte Ip, Sander Lee, Margaret Woo
YouTube Editors: Fonte Ip, Sander Lee, Arnold Chan
Graphics: Francis Lai, Rosa Tse
Website: Patricia Young, Angela Wong
Podcast: Angela Wong
Social Media: Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse
Theme Music:
“Friends Only” by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@introvertpianist
“Watercolor Lilies” by Aaron Kenny https://youtube.com/@contactkennya