When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them.
John 13:12 (NIV)
We are still right in the midst of the Easter season, so I will continue my blog post on serving others. Before His death and resurrection, Jesus shared a final meal with His disciples. And the last lesson He taught them was how they could serve others in simple, day-to-day actions.
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
John 13:14-15 (NIV)
Jesus was certainly in a position of power in the eyes of His apostles. Showing that humble act of serving others was certainly not expected, but gave all His apostles a perfect example of how He wanted them to serve others.
Washing feet is something odd to us in the 21st century. However, in the days that Jesus lived, there were no automobiles. People got around by walking on the very dusty roads, and had to wash their feet before they entered someone’s home. Washing your feet was an expected courtesy.
Why don’t we try to imitate Jesus by washing each others’ feet? Just how are we supposed to do that?…by doing simple acts of kindness that can make their life a little easier!
Think simple! Open the door for someone. Let someone in front of you in traffic. Let them in front of you at the grocery store. That would be washing their feet.
Don’t we appreciate that when someone does it for us? Now we can “pay it forward.” It feels good to help someone…doesn’t it?
If we take that a step further… volunteer to accompany someone somewhere. Bring them something they can use…and show them how to use it! It doesn’t have to be a friend…but we may make one!
In my last blog post, https://mvarga.com/life-inspiration/how-can-we-serve/, I talked about NOTICING and PAYING ATTENTION to others. Isn’t that the same as washing their feet?
We all want to be noticed for the good things we do. So pay attention! When we see someone helping another…let them know we noticed. They’ll be more inclined to do it again for someone else. Isn’t that the way we’re all built?
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
Dear Lord,
We live in a confusing and conflicted world.
Help us to renew our pledge for showing love and compassion for all human beings. May we all strive to find ways we can help those around us.
There is no longer the need to wash our feet after walking outdoors. Help us to look for ways to assist those around us with simple daily tasks.
May they see You as we try to simply lighten their daily load.
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