Words from the Rock
Do you understand what I was doing? You call me “Teacher” and “Lord,” and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.
John 13:12–17 NLT
Jesus is God—God come to earth—to be light and life and truth, and to show us the way to God’s kingdom, where he rules and reigns forever. Yet Jesus gets down on his knees and washes his disciples’ dirty feet.
In Jesus’s day, it was customary to have guests’ feet washed when they came to visit, but it was a job performed by the least of servants or slaves. The purpose of foot washing was twofold. First, it was good etiquette and a way to honor guests. Secondly, people wore sandals and walked on dusty roads, so their feet were dirty, and having them washed was simply good hygiene and a way to keep extra dirt out of the home. Even so, it wasn’t the kind of task that servants were eager to do.
But Jesus tells his disciples, who are clearly uncomfortable seeing him down on his knees scrubbing their grubby toes, that he’s doing this as an example. He’s leaving them another vivid image—something to remember when he’s gone—about how important it is for them to follow his example by being servants to each other.
Jesus was a slave to love—he came to serve. He put everyone’s needs above his own, even to the point of dying on the cross. The reason he did this was simply because he loves us. He served out of a pure heart of love. And he wants us to imitate him by serving those around us. Maybe this means helping someone else to get ahead instead of pushing your way to the top. Or it could be listening to someone who needs a friend. If you ask, God can show you, and if you’re willing, God can put you to work.
My Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for loving me so much that you lowered yourself to serve me by going to the cross. Increase my love for you and others so I can imitate your servant’s heart.
Amen.
Final Word
Always set a good example for others. Be sincere and serious when you teach. Use clean language that no one can criticize. Do this, and your enemies will be too ashamed to say anything against you.
Titus 2:7–8 CEV
Stone for the Journey
I learn to serve by imitating Jesus.