He rose from supper and laid
aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured
water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with
the towel with which He was girded. John
13:4-5
This particular passage of scripture
was just before the Passover, the first meal eaten with the Lord’s Supper. We get a very good look at the true nature of
Jesus and His love in these verses. This
is a good model for us to model our lives after.
Jesus’ Love was a Servant Love
With great humility Jesus poured out the water and began the menial servant
task of washing the feet of the disciples.
It surprised everyone that night, but it shouldn't us who sit on this
side of the table. "For even the Son of Man did not come
to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Mark
10:45)
The Basin and the Towel teach what it means to be a servant.
- Jesus
was a servant in spite of His circumstances. If anyone had a reason to not be around
people or to run away, it was Jesus. He was about to endure torture and
humiliation to redeem us to Himself. I think the key here is what verse 3
says Jesus knew it was in God's hands. Jesus, knowing that the Father had
given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was
going to God.
How many times do we miss an
opportunity to serve others because it is inconvenient or doesn't fit into our
schedule? How often am I so wrapped up in my circumstances that I miss
opportunities to serve?
- Jesus
had to get wet and dirty. The scriptures tell us that Jesus got up
from His supper and took off His garments. He was going to have to get on
the floor and get to the disciples feet to wash and dry them. Same thing
happens when we serve others. We get involved in their lives. Our hands get
"dirty". There will always be some cost to us when we "take
up the basin and the towel."
- Jesus
was not in a hurry. He took His
time with each disciple while washing their feet. Not only did Jesus wash
their feet, He took the time to wipe them dry. He could have had them all
line up in a row and pour water over their feet as they stood there, and
then tossed them a towel with a "here ya go, fellas!" What does this mean for us?
Serving others takes time and our attention. Proper service focuses on the
individual and not just the group.
Scripture to Claim:
For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. John 13:15
