John 13: 1-38
It was late in the evening the next day, about supper time, after all their programs and trips had ended for the day. Jesus and his disciples were all exhausted and dirty from the day’s activities. At such a time, some would have desired a cool shower followed by a good meal before retiring to bed. But soon after they entered the house, before dinner was served, Jesus took his towel and a bowl of water and began washing the feet of all his disciples. How on earth? The looks on each of their faces were the same and certainly rejected the gesture, not because it was not needed, but from their Master, no way! One was even bold to speak up. ‘You will never wash my feet’, he said, to show how disturbing the act was and how undeserving they were of such grace. But this different and unknown ‘King’ did it to show them how love and humility combine in service. Jesus modelled the call to serve when it is not required or requested though the need is obvious and to serve when you are also in need of being served. That was a great lesson for the disciples and us today.
To clarify the lifestyle of the Kingdom that the disciples were looking forward to, Jesus climaxed the day by rolling out a new commandment: “that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Lesson: Christ’s Kingdom life is based on and motivated by love and not duty. It contradicts the way the world is run, therefore, it never goes unnoticed.