John 13
Psalm 26
12 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. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
John 13:12-15
I am always humbled when I read this account of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. Here is the great King and Creator of the entire universe, the sustainer and giver of life, humbling Himself by doing one of the most menial tasks of the day. Is this something that we would do – would we be prepared to serve the church in this fashion and put aside our perceived status and truly serve our fellow believers?
This passage highlights Jesus’ love for humankind as He is prepared to serve even Judas Iscariot who He knows will betray Him. He served the disciples who He knows will turn their backs on Him when He is arrested. This act of serving others in the face of adversity serves as an example to the church. We should be motivated to serve, encourage, rebuke, console and build-up fellow believers with the same love that was shown to us.
We need to constantly examine ourselves to ensure that we are serving sacrificially, that we are building up the body and not serving to puff ourselves up or be looking for accolades.
We have been given a new commandment (13:31-35), which has love one another at its centre. How are you sacrificially loving your brothers and sisters in Christ this week?