Servanthood

John 13:4-5, 15-17

“…He laid aside His outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around His waist. Then He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around Him. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”

In that day and time, people would most often wash their own feet. When done for hospitality, it was generally performed on someone of higher status by someone of lower status. This simple task that Jesus completes is, by definition, one performed as an act of servitude and modesty. By the standards of that day, it was outrageous for a master to wash the feet of their inferiors. This is exactly the point Jesus was making. Jesus is the Master, so His act creates an obligation for others to follow. Above all, look at the last line of this passage; “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”

Don’t focus on the foot washing as much as we should focus on the example of our Lord, who put aside His Master title to become a servant to His fellow men, or in a greater example, the master, was servant to the servants.

Prayer:

Lord, help us to serve, love, and communicate with our brothers and sister and serve them as we should, and not focus on how we need to be served. In Your name Lord Jesus, Amen!