The footsteps of Jesus lead us to serve others. The first disciples had quarrels about their importance. Jesus replied,
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them…. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve…” (Matthew 20:25-28). M
Shortly before His death, Jesus set an example the disciples could never forget. He even washed the feet of Judas who already planned to betray Him.13
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.… When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you” (John 13:3-5,12-15).
Paul set a similar example for the Ephesians.
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
Paul drew attention to other examples. One was Onesiphorus, a true Christian servant from Ephesus.
May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus (2 Timothy 1:16-18).
13. John 13:2,18-30; Luke 22:3
Picture: Japanese art depicts the washing of feet similar to the example set by Jesus.