“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
During the Passover meal, Jesus paused to wash his disciples’ feet. This action might seem odd to those of us who live in the Western culture.
But to those living in Biblical times, the act is significant. Many people in Jesus’ day wore sandals while others may have walked barefoot. Given that these areas are prone to dust and sand, a traveler’s feet could become very dirty in the course of a day.
Hosts who welcomed in relatives and other guests would often provide a foot cleansing. Some hosts would offer a bowl of water while others might instruct a servant to do this chore.
By doing it Himself, Jesus sent a message that His disciples were to be humble. That means thinking no task is “beneath” them or that they are worthy of some great honor. Instead, every true disciple of Jesus is to be servant-minded and always ready to care for others.
Are you sometimes tempted to think a certain task or chore is beneath you? Maybe you think you shouldn’t have to load the dishwasher or clean the bathroom. Perhaps you believe you shouldn’t be the one to finish that report at work or pick up litter from the street.
Rather than think this way, embrace a servant mindset. Don’t merely do what’s required of you—go the extra mile! Let your faith be seen in this: that you are willing to do any task no matter how seemingly trivial.
Prayer:
God, I don’t want to be deceived by pride and arrogance. Help me to be a humble servant that delights in performing even the smallest of chores for Your glory! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
