Kneeling Savior, Standing Call to Serve

Jesus’ teaching and actions were stunningly counter-intuitive (and still are for many today, including too many who claim to be “Christian.”) Philip Yancey wrote, “Jesus’ life and teachings present a radically different approach to power.” * In the scene in today’s Scripture, a slave typically had the job of washing guests’ tired, dirty feet as they arrived at an event. Jesus unblushingly did the slave’s work, and then pointedly told his status-conscious disciples, “I have given you an example.”

• We seldom arrive at group events like the Passover supper with dusty, tired feet. But in our baptism, as in Peter’s call to be an apostle, Jesus has washed us. Yet day by day, our spirit and personality are “dragged through the dust,” like the sandal-wearing disciples’ feet. In what ways do you need Jesus to “wash your feet” today? Will you allow him to renew and refresh your spirit? To whom, on Jesus’ behalf, can you offer that service?
• Jesus doing a task usually reserved for the lowest servants modeled true greatness through humble service. Pastor Hamilton homed in on the main spiritual question this story asked: “Jesus wanted to make sure his disciples got it. The story in John 13 encourages us to ask this question: Are you—am I—worried about who appears to be the greatest, or are we focused on humbly serving others?” ** What’s your answer? How has Jesus’ example changed it over time?