DAY 12 - Washing Feet

Scripture Reading — John 13:1-17

Jesus set an example for us when he washed the feet of his disciples—an example of servant leadership. Washing the feet of one’s guests was not the job of a leader, host, or rabbi, but the chore of a servant. But Jesus took on that role to show his followers how they ought to care for one another.

Jesus’ love comes from a much deeper sacrifice. He gave everything for us. Sacrificial love for each other is the flavor that God wants our relationships to have. We should forgive as we have been forgiven. Forgive, help, sharpen, teach, admonish, accept, encourage, confess, and pray for one another. We love when it is comfortable, and even when it’s challenging. This is the kind of people we are now. We love sacrificially because Jesus called us to love as he loves. 

Healthy family life means serving the members of the family by doing whatever we do best. Healthy church life means serving fellow members of the body of believers with the gifts God has entrusted to us. It means valuing service to one another because together we form a body belonging to God and to each other. When we realize that we belong to our faithful Savior, who gives us new life in place of certain destruction, we are inspired to teach, encourage, and serve in all we do. 

It doesn’t have to be complicated to love others, we can actually look for practical ways to do it. The first step is asking Jesus to show us who we can love on, and then looking for a need that needs to be met. This can be writing a note to encourage someone, paying for a meal for another person, opening a door for someone, or watching someone’s kids for them. There are many other ways to serve others, we just need to pay attention, step out, and meet a need.

When we start serving and loving others well, this is when we start to make an impact. Jesus can take the simple acts of kindness that we do for others, and change lives. We can play an important part in helping others come to know Jesus. This can be the result of following the example Jesus has given us when he washed the disciples’ feet.

Whom can you serve and build up, for Jesus’ sake, today?

Lord, we are so humbled by the way you sacrificed yourself for us. May we follow your example and live sacrificially with those around us. Thank you for the opportunities to serve each other. Open our eyes to see where we are needed, and empower us to serve Jesus by serving others in his name. You call us to live in relationship with one another, but sometimes it’s difficult. Help us see how we can serve and build up one another out of love for you. In your name, Amen.