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A servant's mind-set

It must have been a confusing as well as a convicting moment for the disciples when Jesus removed his outer cloak and began washing their feet. (John 13:4-5). They had gathered to celebrate the Passover. Only moments after rebuking the disciples for arguing about who among them would be the greatest (Luke 22: 24-27), Jesus quietly stood up, removed his outer garment, wrapped a towel around his waist, filled a basin with water and began, one by one, to wash their feet.

This gesture must have shocked the disciples, because foot washing, though essential in their dusty environment, represented the most menial task a person could do. In fact, this distasteful duty was generally assigned to the lowliest servant in the household. Yet in this situation the most esteemed person in the room voluntarily took on himself the most despised of household chores. As he proceeded, Jesus taught what he was practicing: “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 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. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”

Taking on the role of a servant has the ability to quickly squelch a competitive spirit. Unfortunately, this was not the first time the disciples had attempted to tout their own importance. Jesus had repeatedly pointed out the “many who are first will be last and the last first” (Mark 10:31). But even on the night of the Passover celebration we find the disciples jockeying for position (Luke 22:24). Maybe that explains why none of the twelve volunteered to wash the feet of the others—which should have been done as a common courtesy shortly after the group’s arrival.

Putting ourselves in the position of a servant brings us forward in our quest to be more Christ-like. Jesus certainly had every right to be served by all of creation, yet he chose to be a servant throughout his earthly life and ultimately to die for our sin. And, now, he asks each of us to follow this servant model.

Jesus was asked one day: “What is the greatest Commandment?” (Matt. 22) Jesus replied with: “The greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God and to love your neighbor.” Jesus’ answer on this subject has always interconnected the two themes that cannot be separated. If you love the Lord, then you will love your neighbor. If you do not love your neighbor, how can you say you love the Lord? I John 3:24 states that this is how we know we are born of the Spirit, if we love one another.

So go ahead, love one another in both simple and simply profound ways.

 

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