Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. (John 13: 1)

Jesus, as the Son of God, was secure in the understanding of who He was and why He had come into the world. He was secure in his origin, destiny and identity. Out of that assurance, it was not a major issue in His mind to pick up a towel and a basin of water and stoop to wash to feet of His followers.

Too often, we disciples would rather be served than to serve. I have known Pastors of churches who have set aside a certain chair as “theirs,” a special place of honor in the front of the church that lends itself more to ego than service.

Jesus was clearly superior to the disciples in every way—in holiness, in power and in intellect. Yet it did not bother Him in the least to perform menial tasks which were normally the duty of lowly servants. The One who should have received the bended knee of honor and worship displayed the bended knee of servitude. The One who should have worn the royal robe wore a towel around His waist. The One who should have carried a scepter carried a basin of water.

That evening, Jesus provided His followers with a picture they would never forget. Jesus spoke of love on many occasions, but in this setting, He demonstrated the ultimate sign of His love. They never could remove that picture from their minds, and neither should we!

God of mercy, may we be of service to each other rather than look to those who might serve us!