—-he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciple’s feet–-. John 13:5
Serving is contrary to our old nature, resisted by the flesh, and not an easy lesson to learn. But, learn it we must if something of Jesus is to be seen in us. He tells us plainly that He came to serve –not to be served. And He lived out His purpose. He did not say one thing and do another. He served naturally, graciously, and cheerfully. He even did the work of the lowliest slave in washing the feet of others. He taught His followers to do the same.
J. R. Miller wrote,”We begin to be like Christ–only when we begin to love others enough to serve them, regardless of the lowliness of the particular service”. So, have you began to be like Christ?
Can you think of something you consider below your dignity to do, or something too menial to deserve your attention? You are nothing like Christ if your answer is “Yes”. If the King of kings performed the lowly service of washing the stinking feet of selfish men, should we think it beneath our dignity to do the same?
It was just a short time before Jesus would be crucified, and He knew it, yet He washed the feet of His followers. If you knew your death was just hours away would your last earthly activity be to wash someone’s feet? Jesus did — and He said,”For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you”(John 13:15). Think about it!
