John 13:1-17 – The Servant

Read John 13:1-17

You’re invited into a very tender moment between Jesus and his closest followers in this reading. We find ourselves with Jesus and his disciples on the last night they’ll spend together before his death on the cross. All four gospels mention Jesus’ last supper, but John’s gospel is the only one that reveals Jesus’ character as a servant washing his disciples’ feet.

What does this tell us about who Jesus is? Jesus wants us to see another side of his leadership style, that a of a servant. Jesus wants us to model after him, so it’s good to see him in action. As Christians, we seek every day to be more like Jesus. Getting to know Jesus helps us figure out how to act. Even though Jesus is God’s son, he is approachable and loving with the heart of a servant.

Here, Jesus sets an example for us as a teachable moment. Jesus acts out behavior that would have been surprising, maybe even shocking to his friends. He was their rabbi, teacher, and Lord. The act of washing feet would have been a dirty, smelly job left to servants. That was precisely Jesus’ point. He wanted to teach his followers the humility it takes to have a servant heart. That’s how he wanted them, and us, to lead.

Someday, Peter and the others would have an “a-ha” moment recalling this act. Jesus said so. “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.” We can encounter truths in Scripture that leave us baffled as well. In those times, we can imagine Jesus telling us the same thing, that we’re not quite ready to handle or understand everything all at once.

It seems like Jesus’ example was more than that. Jesus was drawing his disciples to himself, cleansing them, readying them for service. Jesus said, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.” Even at the end, Jesus wanted his disciples to be close. He wanted them to feel included and set apart.

Aside from revealing his servanthood, Jesus even hinted at the betrayer among them. Judas would become a pivotal player in Jesus’ last hours. Jesus’ discreet transparency speaks of his character in that he would trust this personal, life-altering intel with his disciples. Can you imagine being that close to Jesus?

Have you ever washed someone else’s feet like this? It’s certainly not common in our day or in the culture I grew up in. I can, however, remember several occasions when we acted out the foot washing experience in a group setting. To be on the giving end is just as meaningful as being on the receiving end. As you kneel at the feet of another, you have humbled yourself and submitted to them. Your act of washing can be a cleansing or renewal of a relationship. It is a beautiful and touching example of caring for another human being.

Everyone should try it. But remember, the heart of a servant is not to take glory for the act. Jesus showed us humility simply in the posture of the gesture. What does it look like for you to be humble in your context? Who does God want you to serve?

Here’s a closing thought from Jesus. “I tell you the truth, anyone who welcomes my messenger is welcoming me, and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming the Father who sent me.” We are to be his messengers. We want others to know and welcome Jesus as a friend like we do. Jesus tells us our association with him gives us access to the Father.

We can best serve each other by introducing them to the life-changing presence of Jesus we’ve found. There are plenty of people needing a cleanse from Jesus. Pray about who that is for you, and then humble yourself and serve.

Let’s pray. Father, thank you for the beautiful reminder of what it looks like to be a servant leader. Help me to look out for those in need of a word from you or who are in need of something I can offer them. Use me to be your hands and feet. Open my eyes to see and my heart to love as you love. Humble me for service. In Jesus’ name. Amen.