John 13:3–5 — Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
Read the whole story: John 13:1–17.
Connection to the sermon: 1 Corinthians 10:31.
You’re wiping the counter after everyone else has left the kitchen. Someone has put a plate beside the dishwasher instead of inside it. There are crumbs under the chair, something sticky on the table, and another task waiting when this one is finished. It isn’t only the work that bothers you, but the feeling that everyone assumes you’ll do it.
In the passage above, John brings us into another room where important work is waiting. Jesus and His disciples are sharing supper before the Passover. The hour of His departure is approaching, and John tells us that He loves His own to the end. Then, before describing what Jesus does, John tells us what Jesus knows. The Father has given all things into His hands. He has come from God and is returning to God. His identity is secure, His authority immense, and His destination glorious. Knowing all this, Jesus gets up and takes a towel.
If we weren’t familiar with this scene, we would expect that introduction to lead into a display of power that leaves everyone speechless. Instead, the One who holds all things pours water into a basin and begins washing feet. The hands entrusted with all things attend to the dirt between His disciples’ toes. Christ’s humility didn’t come from uncertainty about His worth; He knows exactly who He is. He’s free to serve without fearing that a lowly task will make Him less. But Peter struggles to receive it. This reversal feels wrong: his Lord shouldn’t be washing his feet. But Jesus tells him that receiving His washing is necessary to have a share with Him. There is a deeper cleansing Peter needs that he can’t provide for himself.
Soon Jesus will give His body and shed His blood to cleanse His people from sin, but before the disciples can follow His example, they must receive what only their Savior can accomplish. And what a Savior He is! The One who deserves their service kneels to serve them. The One before whom they’re accountable will bear their judgment. Jesus’ majesty isn’t diminished by His mercy; we see His majestic beauty in the love He willingly gives. When Jesus finishes, He takes His place again and explains that they rightly call Him Teacher and Lord. His authority remains. Now they’re to serve one another according to the example He has given.
This brings us back to the work waiting in our own rooms. A Surrendered Servant begins by receiving Christ’s care and making room for His life to be expressed through us. We can ask Him for tenderness while helping an aging parent dress, patience while explaining an assignment again, or honesty while doing a job nobody will inspect. These tasks have nothing to do with making us important enough for God to love. In Christ, we’re already loved! We can serve without requiring each task to prove our significance. That doesn’t make shared responsibility unnecessary, though. You may still need to ask your family to help, or discuss an unfair workload, or arrange a break from caregiving. Jesus’ example gives us freedom to serve, but it doesn’t require pretending we have no limits. So, as we do the work that is ours to do, we have a Lord who has made ordinary service beautiful.
Head: I can serve from the security of being loved by Christ.
Heart: Where am I asking recognition for my work to reassure me of my worth?
Hands: Bring one overlooked responsibility to Jesus before beginning it. Ask Him to express His care through you, and make a request for help if the load needs to be shared.
Prayer: “Lord Jesus, I marvel that You washed dirty feet even while knowing all things were in Your hands. Thank You for providing the cleansing I could never give myself. Express Your patient care through me, and give me humility both to serve and to receive help. Amen.”
-PK