Feet Washers
By Shauna Leis
“Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’”
Matthew 20:25-28
It was just before the Passover Feast, and Jesus did something for the disciples that likely burned in their memories for the rest of their days. Through all of the time that they had spent with Him, the disciples still pictured Jesus as a mortal king, who had come to save them from their Roman government oppression. They just could not comprehend that Jesus had truly come to serve and give His life as a ransom for many, instead of being served. So, when Jesus took off His outer garment one evening and got out a basin and a towel, their minds were reeling with what Jesus was about to do for them. Jesus took on the role of a servant - this great teacher of theirs - and started to wash their feet so they could truly understand why He came.
Peter, ever impetuous, even tried to stop Him and cried out, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” in John 13:6. To which Jesus responded, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” Peter again interjected, “No, you shall never wash my feet!” Later, in verses 14-15, Jesus explained to them “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.” Jesus came to teach the disciples and us today that the greatest ministry we can ever have is by being a servant to one another.
Jesus had already attained all the glory He could ever want. He was part of the triune God. He was there when the earth was created and owns everything in it. While in heaven, He sat at the right hand of the Almighty God, and angels attended Him. Those in heaven worship Him day and night. He is the light of heaven – the lamp unto the world. What more could He possibly need outside of all this?
Instead, Jesus gave up all that He had to come down from heaven to teach us poor sinners what it is really all about. In Philippians 2:5-7, Paul states it this way, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” Jesus humbled Himself on numerous occasions to teach the disciples and those around Him that there is more to life than trying to make yourself look great before men. What is really important is making yourself look great before God – by being a servant to others.
How many of us take the time each week to stop and wash someone else’s feet? Not literally mind you, but figuratively…When was the last time we thought about someone else’s needs before our own? Instead, many of us are in competition every day of our lives to be better than someone else – in our jobs, in our families, sometimes even in our churches. We try to knock others down so that we can win the race ahead of them. We try to take credit for the things that they have done. We have tried to damage their reputation to make ours look shining in comparison. Every day we compare ourselves to someone else – another human – instead of comparing ourselves against the only standard that is truly worthy, Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2:3-4 indicates, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” We must challenge ourselves each day to seek out someone to serve, looking to their interests instead of our own. Before at our house, we have had a “servant” competition to see who could “out-serve” the others. It was awesome seeing each other competitively trying to do things for the other, and at times it became really humorous! I am thinking that we might just be due for another one. Maybe we even need one at work, too!
So, what about the rest of us? Are we ready to get a little dirty and do some foot washing of our own? Are we willing to lay down our own interests to think better of someone else and let them have the glory for awhile? We might just be surprised at the outcome. 1 Timothy 3:13 says, “Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.” Can you think of a greater benefit of serving others than gaining an excellent understanding and great assurance of our faith in Jesus?
Pray with me: Precious Lord, oh how awesome Your example of servanthood is to all of us today. Our society has so perverted being a servant into something ugly and useless. Your example reminds us that it is really just putting others’ needs in front of our own. Lord, we are so mindful that You came to serve and not to be served, and You even gave up Your life for the rest of the world. What an honor it is to serve You with gladness. Forgive us, Lord, when we try to take the glory for ourselves. Teach us Your ways instead. God, we love You so very much and pray all of this in the name above all names, Jesus Christ! Amen.