When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His robe, He reclined again and said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? You call me Teacher and Lord. This is well said, for I am. So if I, 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 for you. John 13:12-15
My words…
Praise
I praise You for being the unexpected Messiah. Those who knew the prophesies, who eagerly awaited Your arrival, were caught by surprise when You didn’t insist on being treated like royalty. You didn’t clamor for special treatment. You – the Son of Almighty God – chose to be a servant and not a tyrant. You chose menial instead of noble, humility instead of arrogance. You not only noticed the lowly and neglected, You cared for them with Your rough carpenter’s hands. If you hadn’t, The Way wouldn’t have worked like it did. Christianity wouldn’t have made it past the second century. The world had seen its fill of haughty, power-hungry rulers. But a genuine Servant-King? It turns out, servanthood is the highest calling, the way to fulfillment. Being a servant is like shouting, “I want to be like Jesus!”
Prayer for me
I’m a lousy servant. I have no one to blame but myself. You’ve provided the training manual full of examples. I’ve read the manual, but I’m not inclined to follow it. Being a servant is messy and sweaty and time-consuming. It’s a heart issue, I know. In truth, I don’t want to be a servant, but I need to be. Change my heart.
Forgive me
Forgive me for spending more time serving myself than others. You would never have done that. You still don’t. You asked Your apostles, “Do you know what I have done for you?” I know what You have done for me. Forgive me when I don’t answer that question with acts of service.
Prayer for others
There are super-servants in this world, laying aside their lives in order to emulate You. With hearts full of compassion and mercy, they are called to be Your hands and feet every day. They don’t see it as messy and sweaty and time-consuming. For them, it’s worship. Pour Your blessing on them today. Strengthen them, embolden them, protect them.
Thank You
I am grateful I serve a God who knelt before his followers and washed the dirt and grime from their feet. They were uncomfortable, ashamed maybe. If You were here today, I wouldn’t be surprised if you offered to scrub my floors or clean my toilet. I would be uncomfortable and definitely ashamed. But, You know how to give up what You have for me. You did it with Your life. And I am so thankful.
More praise
At one time, I was covered in dirt and grime, and You washed me as a servant would. You doused Yourself with my filth then washed it all away with Your blood. And when You were done, I was squeaky clean. A long time has passed, yet I remain clean like new-fallen snow. All because You are the perfect, selfless, gentle Servant Son of God.
