Sent To Serve

“So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.” (John 13:12-16 KJV)

Don’t you think it is interesting that Jesus taught his disciples, even though it was his last night with them? In a rented room somewhere in 1^st century Jerusalem, Jesus finished the Passover meal with his disciples, then poured water in a basin and began washing their feet as they looked on in shocked silence.

Peter’s reaction (v.8) shows the Twelve didn’t understand what Jesus had done. Yet, when Jesus said, “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me” Peter decided his relationship with Jesus was more important than getting his feet washed. He wanted a relationship with Jesus no matter what.

After the last disciple’s feet are washed, Jesus returned to his seat and explained his actions. He who is Lord had just completed the work of a servant to those who were servants. They called him Master, yet he had served them like a servant.

What the Lord’s point? If the Lord and Master humbled himself to serve the servants by washing their feet; the servants ought to humble themselves and serve one another in every way possible. He gave an example that we should do as he has done.

Dear Father, thank you for this example of a servant. Empower us with the humility to serve as Christ served. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Be strong and courageous today as a servant,