Modeling Service (John 13:1-20)

Today's scripture: John 13:1-20

If only we lived our lives as Jesus did ...

Jesus taught love, mercy, grace, wisdom, and humility, and as the best of teachers does, He often did so by modeling behavior rather than merely talking about it. In today's verses, Jesus modeled love and humility, and by doing so, He taught us how to have a true servant's heart.

You know the story. Jesus knew His death was imminent. He knew He would soon fulfill His purpose in coming to earth. He knew He would soon be leaving those who had followed Him for three years.

He and His disciples were having dinner together. I picture them laughing and sharing stories. They'd been together for a long time, and they knew each other well. They genuinely enjoyed each others' company.

Then came a huge surprise. Jesus got up, took off His robe, and wrapped a towel around His waist. I imagine His disciples were confused ... What in the world was Jesus doing?

Then He filled a basin with water and knelt at the feet of the first disciple. What? The Master was washing feet? This is something that only the lowliest of servants would do. Peter—impetuous, foot-in-the-mouth Peter—said what the rest were certainly thinking, "Never shall You wash my feet!” After a short discussion, Jesus revealed why He did what He did: to give them an example of how they should serve others.

None of us is better than anyone else. We are all equal in the eyes of God. Therefore, we should be willing to do whatever is necessary to serve others. We're all gifted in various ways, and often we get locked into "this is what I do." When we're asked to do something outside our giftedness, especially if it seems "beneath" us, we don't want to do it.

This is completely opposite to what Jesus modeled. He, the greatest Teacher, one who spoke to thousands, was willing to do the lowliest of tasks to serve His followers. So should we be willing to scrub floors, clean toilets ... or even wash feet, if that would serve others.

If we all truly had the attitude of our Savior, we would humbly serve however we were asked. Imagine the difference we would make in this world ...