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I Gave You an Example

He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet. (John 13:5)

While Jesus was reclining with His disciples at the last supper, there arose “a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest” (Luke 22:24). So Jesus rose from the table, stripped off His garments, wrapped a towel about Him, and washed His disciples’ feet. Disciple by disciple, foot by foot, the Lord performed an act of humble service that even Jewish slaves could decline to do. Then, putting on His garments and returning to the head of the table, Jesus explained His actions.

“Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, 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 should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” (John 13:12–17)

Jesus humbly served His disciples, and He wants His disciples to do the same. Our Lord voluntarily washed others’ feet so that we would voluntarily undertake any task. Our Teacher taught us that true greatness lies in great service. We should heed His teaching and serve more frequently and sacrificially.

Christian communities are unified through Christ-like service. Oftentimes our unity is weak because our service to one another is weak. The church’s unity will grow as our cheerful service to one another grows. Let us seek opportunities to joyfully, humbly, and voluntarily serve one another. We will be blessed if we do.

A Corona Virus Pandemic Note: It’s a wonderful time for Christians to serve one another, but decisions about the nature of that service should be wise and in keeping with submission to the governing authorities (Romans 13:1; Romans 12:18). Church history shows us that we join a long heritage of Christians serving in challenging times, like the ones we are living in (see this article on the early church serving during plagues, and this one on Spurgeon’s ministry during a cholera outbreak). For the present, there are many safe ways to serve our brothers and sisters, although we may be called into more dangerous service if the need arises. Whatever your service looks like, there is great joy to be found in following Christ’s example!