May 24 - An Example

May 24 – I Have Set An Example For You

It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 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. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. (John 13:1-17)

Jesus did all of this to help His disciples understand what serving each other is all about.  Wow.

There are people like Mother Teresa whose lives are offered in service to others.  Stories of her sacrifices on behalf of others are legendary and beautiful.

There are so many other stories that are just as beautiful, but not necessarily legendary because no one really knows about them.  Those people don’t talk about the things they do for others. A friend who shows up with food and treats when you’re unable to take care of those things yourself.  A young man and his friends choose to sleep at night in a vacant building with homeless because the fact that they are there impacts the housing board. Kids taking time out of their day to collect food and items for a shelter.  Neighbors offering to paint a house for an elderly woman on a fixed income.

All of these things happen every day with very little acknowledgement.  They are done without any desire for glory or praise – simply because a servant heart fills a person.

Jesus wanted us to learn how to live as servants to each other.  To learn that it is never about us, but about those around us who need us to act in their lives with grace and love.

Today … as you watch the world around you – think about who it is that offers you this gift without need for accolades and who you might be able to offer this gift to.