Often, when we think we’re giving something up, God is providing something better.
During the last week before His crucifixion, Jesus spent a lot of time teaching and preparing His faithful followers. However, at the last supper Jesus spent with His disciples, He shocked them with one of His final acts.
“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…” (John 13:3 NIV). What do you imagine the all-powerful, all-knowing, perfect Son of God would do? Heal a blind man? Raise someone from the dead? Still a storm? Feed a crowd? Show His glory? He was capable of any miracle and was worthy of worship.
Fully aware of who He was and the honor He deserved, “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” (John 13:4-5 NIV).
Jesus Christ, the holy Son of God, got up and began to clean His disciples’ feet. A menial, dirty job fit for the lowest servant and one requiring great humility. Can you imagine having dinner with the president of the United States and he gets down to wash your feet? And he is sinful like you and me—nothing compared to Jesus Christ. Such an action goes against our way of thinking.
Jesus Laid Down His Rights
Jesus, though perfect and deserving of adoration, chose to humble Himself. He willingly laid aside His rights as God to serve man. Paul, writer of much of the New Testament, challenges us to have the same mindset as Jesus, who, “Being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6-8 NIV).
Jesus washed the feet of all twelve disciples, including Judas. Shortly after, Jesus revealed one of them would betray Him and sent Judas out, knowing he would head directly to the chief priest to reveal His location (John 13:26-27). Our wonderful Savior was willing to get on His knees and serve the one He knew would soon sell Him for a fist full of money.
Why Did Jesus Wash the Disciples’ Feet?
Jesus revealed His purpose: “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” (John 13:14-15 NIV).
He couldn’t have made it more clear how He wants us to live and behave. He calls us to willingly serve one another and humble ourselves to meet the needs of those around us. Our default as humans is to demand our rights and take care of ourselves. Our pride resists such humility and we must lay it down to follow the example of our Lord.
What Jesus did is contrary to our fleshly nature. Usually, the more power we have, the more we expect others to serve us.
Our Lord called us to follow His example. What would that look like in my life? Am I supposed to go around washing feet?
How Do We Follow His Example?
Jesus met the need in front of Him. During His time, washing feet was expected before visitors were served. What needs might be in front of us?
A grieving family who needs a meal. A single mom in need of a sitter. A hurting soul who needs a listening ear. Someone sick who needs a visitor. A lonely person who needs a friend, dishes that need washing, or lawns that need mowing. Those who need a word of encouragement, a smile, a card, a prayer, or a ride.
I easily get focused on myself. I’m always quick to make sure my needs are met. I get stuck in my comfort zone, reluctant to leave to help someone. But Jesus has called me to more. Serving others in His name is why I’m here. He calls me to be willing to get my hands dirty, leave my sanctuary behind, and possibly even serve my enemy, which may mean helping someone I don’t like or showing love to someone who has hurt me.
The challenge is to look for the needs of those around us. Jesus also taught that when we feed the hungry or thirsty, provide clothes, welcome strangers, or visit those in prison, “‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me’” (Matthew 25:40).
When we willingly serve others and meet the needs we see, not only are we obeying the command of Jesus and following His example, but we’re serving Him.
The Ultimate Sacrifice
Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice when He laid down His life on the cross to pay for our sins. In an act of great love and obedience, though He was perfect and innocent, He took our guilt on Himself and died in the most humiliating way possible. Naked, exposed, and bleeding, He hung on a cross for all to see as He was labeled a criminal. He could have called thousands of angels to help Him (Matthew 26:53). Instead, He willingly gave everything to save the souls of all who would believe in Him.
Prayer of Surrender
Jesus, thank You for being willing to lay aside Your rights, humble Yourself, and be born as a baby. Thank You for living as a man and selflessly serving others as an example for us. Thank You, most of all, for laying down Your life to die for my sins and then offering me Your righteousness in return.
Lord, please help me follow Your example. I confess that I’m so selfish. Too often, I want to stay comfortable rather than serve others. Please forgive me and help me be willing to not just look out for my interests but also for the interests of others (Philippians 2:4). I’m so weak, but You promised that when I’m weak, You are strong (2 Corinthians 12:9-11). Please love others through me and open my eyes to see the needs you want me to meet. I love you, Lord!
When we sacrifice to serve others, we often think we have suffered a loss. The truth is we usually gain much more than we lose. Some years ago, there was a young woman in need of love and a listening ear. It was difficult to find a time we could meet weekly. The only hour I could find was after I was usually in bed asleep. As one who is tied to her routine, this seemed like a difficult choice. But I trusted God and decided I would make this “sacrifice.”
As a result, I now have a sister in Christ who has become one of my closest and dearest friends. We met weekly for years and it became one of God’s greatest blessings to me. Often, when we think we’re giving something up, God is providing something better.
As we celebrate Easter, the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, may we see the needs of those around us and follow His example to lay down our pride and serve others.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Bojani
Susan Aken writes devotions and articles for Wholly Loved Ministries, is an Oklahoma native who’s lived in Nebraska since 1987 and has been in public education for over thirty years. She and her husband have one son and a wonderful daughter-in-law. Besides writing she has a passion for special needs and prayer ministries. She enjoys time with family, reading, photography, movies, walking in nature, and a nice cup of tea. She believes life is a journey and we’re all in different places. Jesus is everything to her and it’s all about grace. Visit her at susanaken53.wordpress.com or on Facebook.
