Lead by example - Servitude

“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
John 13:15

When we read maundy Thursday account written by St. John in ch.13, here we find that Jesus, a day before the Passover feast had last supper with His Twelve disciples in the upper room and he further writes that Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot was also in the upper room and he had decided already to betray Jesus. Lord Jesus Christ not only knew that Judas would betray Him, but also that the other disciples will leave Him alone and they will run away. Jesus knew that it was time for Him to leave this world. He had to return to the Father. Jesus knew that He had come to the earth for a definite purpose.

So, during the meal, Jesus left the table, wrapped a towel round His body, poured water into a basin and then He began to wash the disciple’s feet. He also dried them with the cloth around his waist. Usually, a slave does such a task. It was custom for slaves to wash the feet of their master’s guests. The slaves would do this as soon as the guests entered the house. But Jesus did it during the meal.

Lord Jesus Christ wanted to show His disciples how to behave, not only with each other, but also with everybody. (Mtt.22:24 because dispute arose among them that who is the greatest among them and also Judas was there). He did not just tell them what to do. He was serving them as He knelt down to wash their feet. He was their Lord and Teacher. But He did what a slave would do on their behalf. And He was the Son of Almighty Lord God and Creator of the universe. But He served His disciples, even after knowing His disciples' betrayal that was to happen. He made Himself humble.

He did a task that slaves did. He set an example by washing the feet of Judas, who betrayed, and sold His Master for thirty pieces of silver. He wanted the disciples to do the same. He meant any kind of act that show love and honour to other people, even to the enemies.

That is what Jesus wants us to do. He has called us and wants us to serve all; it doesn’t mean our loved one or favorite one, but to all. We should be humble. We should not be too proud to serve other people. Jesus - God’s Son did the job of a slave on behalf of His disciples. We should always be willing to serve each other in any way.

Remember, He even washed the feet of the people who sold him and turned their back on Him.

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Varinder Kumar