Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. (John 13:3-5)
Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. He was just hours away from His crucifixion. He knew He was about give all He had — His very life — to save and serve those His Father had given to Him.
Yet He gave more.
Jesus took water. He took a towel. He lowered Himself. He washed feet. He dried them. Then He instructed these men to do the same.
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. (John 13:14-15)
Jesus, knowing who He was sent by and where He was headed, had no problem completing the most humbling of tasks. He expects the same out of His disciples.
If you call on the name of Jesus for salvation, then you, too, are one of His disciples. He has called you and is sending you to serve humbly. To stoop. To kneel. To do the dirty work that no one else wants to do.
Some ministries appear to be glitzy and glamorous. But washing feet isn’t. Neither is hanging on the cross. Jesus did it anyway.
Water isn’t fancy. It’s common. It’s ordinary. Boring even. But it is also necessary for life.
Do you know what else is necessary? Humble service.
The next time you fill a glass for drinking, or a pot for cooking, or a tub for bathing let it remind you of the Lord’s willingness to serve humbly. Let the water encourage and motivate you to take on the tasks that no one else wants. Let it remind you of Who is sending you and where you are headed.
What ministries are necessary but require humility from the one serving? How can we pray for the people serving in these roles? Have you been called to such a ministry? How does the story of Jesus washing feet help you take on the task?
Only by grace,
Kelli
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