“WASH ONE ANOTHER’S FEET”
(Matthew 26:17-25; Mark 14:12-21; Luke 22:7-16, 21-30; John 13:1-30)
“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 also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” – John 13:14-17
There are some Christian churches that practice “foot washing” as a part of certain specific worship services they observe. I have participated in these services on numerous occasions. And, while they can be a very moving experience, I believe this practice today, particularly in our society, is not at all reflective of what Jesus was actually instructing his disciples to do.
In Jesus’ day, your feet would become very dirty, due to the condition of the places people walked. It was customary that as you entered a home, the lowest servant of the house would wash the feet of anyone entering, so they wouldn’t track in the dirty elements. When Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, He was clearly demonstrating to them taking upon Himself the role of a servant, even though they recognized Him as “Lord and Teacher.” Most importantly, Jesus was setting an example for them to follow – to serve others.
In today’s church world, there has often been a tendency to “categorize” a believer’s value according to their training, or how long they have been a member, or what their giftings and abilities are, or their financial contributions. Thank God for people who are well trained, or have been a church member for a long time, or are blessed with many talents or great finances. But, none of those things excuses anyone from being a servant to all.
Simple Truth:
As a popular Christian chorus of yesteryear states, “If you want to be great in God’s Kingdom, learn to be the servant of all.”
Reflections & Application:
- Many folks attend church regularly, but not everyone serves where they attend. How are you serving as a part of your church fellowship.
- The steps of a good person are ordered by the Lord (Psalm 37:23). As you walk your steps today, how might you be a servant wherever He leads?
- Are you willing to “step outside your comfort zone” so that you may serve in a way you never expected or anticipated?
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I am so thankful the servanthood of Jesus, as He came from Heaven, became a part of His creation, served us by dying upon the cross and obtaining our salvation by His resurrection from the dead. May I truly follow His example and be a servant of those you direct in my pathway. I ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
About our Author
Tim Satryan has been in full time ministry since 1980. He has served five churches in four states. He has also served as the District Youth and Music Director for the PennDel Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God, was the Presbyter for the state of Delaware for over a decade, and for a number of years traveled with the AG Church Multiplication Network, teaching church planting and church revitalization.
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