A Servant Like Jesus

John 13:12-17

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

What does the phrase “the first will be last and the last will be first” mean to you?

Hours before Jesus was betrayed and crucified, he sat with his disciples for a Passover meal. The disciples were debating who was the greatest among them. Amid their discussion, Jesus rose from the table and began performing the work of a bondservant. Washing of feet during these times was an important process before a communal meal but was considered an undignified task. As he prepared to wash their feet, he took off his outer robe and tied the towel around himself. The arrangement of his garments depicted that of a slave.

This act displayed his humility and servanthood. The disciples were astonished that he would wash their feet because they felt unworthy. Jesus was revealing to them the condition of their hearts. Moreover, Jesus, through his ministry, taught the disciples the importance of caring for one another with this simple act.

Jesus was the greatest example of how we ought to serve others. As Christ followers, we are to imitate Jesus by serving one another in humility and love. His kingdom is honored and glorified by those with a servant's heart. When we serve others, the Lord promises that we will be greatly blessed, and people will know us by our fruit.

How can you share the love of Jesus with others today?

Father God, thank you for sending Jesus to be an example for me. I thank you for his sacrifice on the cross for me so I can be cleansed of all my sins. Help me to humbly love and serve others so that they will see Christ in me. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Scripture References:

Isaiah 1:18; Matthew 10:24-25, 20:26-28; Luke 6:40; John 3:3, 5; Philippians 2:3-4, 8