Jesus, the Lord, took the servant's role and asked us to do the same for one another.
“If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.”John 13:14 (KJV)
What does “Washing feet” mean in John 13:14?
In the ancient world, washing dusty feet was the task of the lowest servant. Jesus did it for His disciples on the night before He died, and then explained why.
Going deeper
After washing His disciples' feet, Jesus said, If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. He does not say this as a rule for a ritual only. He was showing a way of life. If the Lord and Master will do the lowest job, no task is beneath His followers. The act of foot-washing stands for serving one another in humility and in practical ways.
Some churches practice literal foot-washing, and others take it as a picture. Either way, the principle is the same: look for a chance to do a humble service for another person. It might be washing dishes, helping someone with a difficult task, or caring for a person who is sick. Ask God to show you a place to take up the towel this week. Serve quietly, and see what happens to your own heart.
Reflect
What humble service could you offer someone this week, like washing feet?
Pray
Lord Jesus, You washed Your disciples' feet. Teach me to serve others in humility, and show me where to take up the towel. In Jesus' name, amen.
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