“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.”
John 13:15-16
Jesus washed the disciples’ feet and said, “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am” (v. 13). He “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). It’s His familiar theme: to be a master, be a servant; to get up, go down; to receive, give; to grow rich, be poor; to be exalted, lower yourself; to live, die.
The King of all creation stooped to clean the trail-dirtied feet of his friends and then instructed His followers to go and do likewise. Today we believers receive the same command.
“You know, Lord, how I serve You, with great emotional fervor, in the limelight. You know how eagerly I speak for You, at a women’s club. You know how I effervesce when I promote a fellowship group. You know my genuine enthusiasm at a Bible study. But how would I react, I wonder, if You pointed to a basin of water, and asked me to wash the calloused feet of a bent and wrinkled old woman, day after day, month after month, in a room where nobody saw, and nobody knew?” (Ruth Harms Calkin, 1974)
The King of all creation stooped to clean the trail-dirtied feet of his friends and then instructed His followers to go and do likewise. Today we believers receive the same command.
“You know, Lord, how I serve You, with great emotional fervor, in the limelight. You know how eagerly I speak for You, at a women’s club. You know how I effervesce when I promote a fellowship group. You know my genuine enthusiasm at a Bible study. But how would I react, I wonder, if You pointed to a basin of water, and asked me to wash the calloused feet of a bent and wrinkled old woman, day after day, month after month, in a room where nobody saw, and nobody knew?” (Ruth Harms Calkin, 1974)
Scripture Focus
John 13:1-17
Insight
What basin has Jesus given you? Whose feet need your loving touch? Can you be unconcerned whether anyone sees or knows?
Bible In A Year
- Judges 9
- Psalm 113
- 1 Corinthians 3-4
