Holy Week: Servanthood

In continuation of our reflection of the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, let's look at a moment from His Passover meal with the disciples:

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 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. Very truly I tell you, 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."

John 13:3-17

Here, we learn that accepting Jesus as our Lord and Teacher, we are to follow the example that He set for us. Jesus was willing to perform the lowliest act of servanthood for His disciples. He got on His hands and knees, picked up their dirty feet, and washed them.

If our God can do such a thing for us, how much more should we be willing to serve those around us? Meditate on this word as you go about your day today. Ask the Lord to create in you a servant's heart. Be willing to serve those around you allowing Christ's example to be your guide.