An Example

Day 143: John 13:1-30

'You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.' - John 13:13-15

Washing feet at this Passover meal wasn't done by those participating in the meal, especially not the one who was presiding over their time together. This was, instead, the job of a slave. When Jesus told His disciples to go and prepare a place, He never asked them to make accommodations for a slave to be there to serve them.

Many believe there was a moment of awkwardness where the disciples were looking around, wondering who would perform the task of a slave by washing their feet. Jesus stepped forward to do the menial task, which was shocking, especially for Peter (see verse 6).

Earlier, Jesus had said this:

"...and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." - Matthew 20:27-28

Now he was giving them yet another example of how to serve.

What about us? What is our end game? Many want to be the "boss" to tell others what to do so that we can feel important and in control. We rarely see people positioning themselves to serve. When we do, it startles us, just like it did for the disciples.

May we always be prepared to serve. If we have this mentality, we will shine bright in a dark, self-congratulating world.