“You Also Ought To Wash

One Another’s Feet”

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord – and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them.

John 13:3-16

Some research indicates a majority of people leave a company because they believe they are underpaid. Fewer than 20 percent of them, however, were receiving less than the industry standard. Unhappy workers may actually be over titled, and they think they are more important than they really are. With salary it is about what you do, not what you are called. It is interesting to see how Jesus dealt with the issue of titles and responsibilities. During the Last Supper he performed the lowliest of tasks, that of washing the feet of His disciples. His statement was one of profound humility. Christ the Lord set the example for all who would follow Him, confirming that it is not what we are called, but what we do that counts.

The more we serve Christ, the less we will serve self.

Our Daily Bread – September 1, 2008