“Christianity is the only major religion to have as its central event the humiliation of its God” (Bruce Shelley) This is the opening to Bruce Shelley’s incredible work Church History in Plain Language and this sentence came to mind as I found myself reading the thirteenth chapter of John recently. The story of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet is one that is familiar to most, but its application is one that eludes many.
Thirteen men recline around a table, likely lying on mats or cloaks facing the table and propped up on their left elbows. This was one of the usual ways to dine for first-century Jews. Laying with their feet situated in such a way that the lowest of servants could complete the hospitable task of washing the feet of the guest without drawing much attention away from the table. At some point prior to the serving of the main meal, the one at the place of honor, the teacher began to tie a towel around his waist and go around washing the feet of the others at the table.
This is the setting for the beginning of the Lord’s final acts of humiliation during His time on the earth. Jesus taking on the duties of the lowest of servants is just the beginning of His final condescension for our iniquity, and it began with this example. In a world that valued power and might, Jesus decided to lead with love and service. The hands that held the washing vessel and massaged the dirt and filth of first-century Jerusalem streets also created all things and holds all things together as it states in Colossians 1:16-17.
“For in Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, And in Him all things hold together.” (LSB)
This thought should bring us some much-needed perspective when we find it difficult to serve. The Lord humbled himself. The Lord sacrificed. The Lord served. How can we who are called by His name, who look to Him for our redemption, neglect to follow His example.
“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.” (John 13:14-15 ESV)
So what are our takeaways?
Humble Service
We as believers are called to serve God faithfully, and to serve those whom we lead with humility. Christ gave the example and took on the form of a servant, not just on this occasion, but through His incarnation and death.
“Who, although existing in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a slave, by being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:6-8 LSB)
Lead with Love
Love has to be your motivation for leading, because any other motive will eventually show. Your love is what will keep you humble. When I say love, it has to be love according to its Biblical definition.
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Lord, help us to lead like you. Help us to follow your example. Lord, give us a willingness to get our hands dirty in our service to one another. Help us to love like you. Lord, decrease us that you may be magnified in and through our service. In Jesus name.
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