“What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter.” (Joh 13:7)

“Thus far, then, and in the question itself, I see nothing but the most profound and beautiful astonishment at an act of condescension which appeared to him quite incomprehensible. And accordingly you will observe that as yet our Lord administers no rebuke, but only bids him wait a little, and he shall understand it all … for indeed it was not long that he had to wait for an answer from his Master’s lips (verses 12, 13). … And now, surely, with such a promise as this, Peter will be perfectly satisfied. But no; but, instead of this, he says: ‘Thou shalt never wash my feet’ – more emphatically, ‘never shalt thous wash my feet.’ What obstinacy is this! It is impossible any longer to defend Peter; his conduct admits not of the least palliation or excuse; it amounts to positive rebellion. The element of pride and self-righteousness, which might have been secretly working in his heart before, is now fully developed, and stands forth undisguised. And yet how often may the believer be guilty of the same conduct still, spurning away from him the offers of the Savior’s grace. Ah! brethren, it is not true humility to refuse what the Savior offers to do for us, or to deny what he may have already done for us, in his grace. No, this is not true humility, but pride -lofty self-presumption- not rare, however in certain circles of lofty religious profession and traditional spirituality. The truest humility is reverentially to accept, and thankfully to acknowledge, all the blessings of his grace.” (Ross, Charles. The Inner Sanctuary, 22, 23)