So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him.
John 13:4-5
By Sue Wayman
I love this scripture about Jesus washing His disciples’ feet. This is not a tip on personal hygiene, but here the Lord is modelling servant leadership to his disciples.
Back in those days only the lowest servant in a household would wash feet. Jesus was humble enough to serve others, in love and without shame.
Here he delivers an object lesson in love and humility that would be remembered forever.
People around us may see serving others as drudgery, but to us who know and love the Lord serving others is a way of following His example. By choosing to serve others we show people His love in action.
Washing the feet of others is not a common thing today, but there are a multitude of other ways we can serve. We could help someone with some gardening or cleaning, especially if they are infirm or unable to do it for themselves. When I used to visit my friend with a toddler and twin babies, I would chat and have a cuppa, then I would get up and do her dishes, or vacuum her stairs (all 4 flights!)
Maybe the Lord has blessed us financially and we are able to give to others should we see a genuine need.
Even if we are infirm and bedridden we can still serve others, but perhaps our serving would be praying and interceding for others, or sending them an encouraging word. Perhaps our serving would be doing what we can for ourselves, and caring for our support people with kindness.
Whatever our situation, let us embrace serving. It is amazing how the Lord fills us with His joy as we serve others in humility.
Lastly, if we are on the receiving end of someone choosing to serve us, let us receive their gift with an attitude of thankfulness. By allowing them to serve us we are encouraging them to step out in following the Lord’s example also.
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.