Our scripture this morning is John 13:14-17.
”So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.“
After Jesus had thoroughly surprised and confused His disciples by washing their feet, He explains His actions and the significance it holds for all of us. We are to love one another by fulfilling needs, no matter how menial that task may be. We hear the words “Christian Service” in our world, but this is the example that we must follow in faith.
I remember on a youth mission trip we went to help at a large food distribution program. One of our group was very excited to hand out food to families. When we arrived we found that only the staff actually interacted with people and we were needed to clean the kitchen and storeroom. She was very disappointed and while she did the work, she was unhappy.
However, later that night when we shared our experiences she said “I learned that I can serve God and others by washing dishes and sweeping because that was what was needed. While I was not happy initially, I remembered Jesus washing feet and if He could do it, I can too!” We may not be called to give our lives on a cross as He did for us, but we are all charged to accomplish the small, thankless, sometimes dirty jobs because that is what is needed. Jesus did what was needed for us, we can do no less.
Loving Lord, we are sorry for our selfish attitude that the world exists for our benefit. Help us to see the needs of the world and accept the responsibility You have given us to love one another. Amen.
