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.
Have you ever had someone do something for you that made you feel
uncomfortable, embarrassed, or even unworthy? When Jesus washed the feet of his disciples,
Simon Peter and probably some of the others must have felt that way. Here was Jesus, their
Lord and Teacher, kneeling down to serve them in a very humble manner.
After Jesus had washed the feet of all the disciples, he instructed
them that they were to follow his example. They were to serve others – a clear
message for all of us. By helping one another, we serve the Lord.
We know of those who respond in times of crisis with personal
sacrifices and bravery. We honor them. My husband’s sister is one of my own examples
of dedication to serving others. We’ll always remember how she personally cared for
their invalid mother with such love and tenderness. I never heard her complain in more
than four years of this caregiving. Her response was that she was thankful to God for
giving her the strength to be able to continue.
We must also be aware of our own daily opportunities for small acts of
kindness – a smile, a friendly greeting, a phone call to someone who may be lonely,
or just holding a door open for a fellow-shopper. Remember that Jesus said, "Whatever
you do to the least of my brothers, you do it to me."
Lord, help us to follow your example in service to others. Amen.
