JESUS SPEAKING
So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If 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 should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” (John 3: 12 – 17)
FAITHFUL THOUGHTS
During the first century, sandals were the most common type of footwear worn in Israel. Over the course of a day, dirt and grime would build up around the feet; thus necessitating the practice of foot washing before entering a home. This filthy task was usually relegated to the lowest ranking servants in a household. When Jesus washed the disciples feet, He gave us all an example of how lowliness and humility equates to greatness in God’s kingdom.
Throughout history, countless missionaries have gone into the dirtiest, most impoverished places to selflessly serve others in obedience to God’s will. As the story goes, one prominent missionary once wrote, “In encouraging young men to come out as missionaries, do use the greatest caution. One wrong-minded, obstinate man would ruin us. Humble…persevering men of sound, sterling character, with good accomplishment and some natural aptitude to acquire a language; men of amiable, yielding temper, willing to take the lowest place; men who live close to God, and who are willing to suffer all things for Christ sake without being proud of it—these are the kind of men we need.”
Like many missionaries, and like the Lord Jesus Christ, the greatest Christians among us will be those who are the greatest servants. If we desire to follow Christ we too must embrace a life of selflessness and humility; denying our own flesh so that others may see the works of God and experience His love. May we all commit to this undertaking.
“Lord Heavenly Father, provide us with opportunities throughout the day to serve others with great affection. May we seek to be the greatest servants; offering our lives as a sacrifice for the furtherance of Your gospel message. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and may we walk with You always. We love you Father, we praise You, and we thank You; and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will. In Jesus Christ’s name, amen.” God bless all of you!
Jesus Speaks 