21 Days of DiscipleshipSample

Wash Feet

Our takeaway today is pretty simple, and it comes from Jesus’ example.

At an important dinner, known as the Last Supper, Jesus breaks a bunch of normal customs and rules by standing up, taking off His robe (a symbol of His status as a teacher), and washing His disciples’ feet. Jesus, the most powerful person in the room—in any room, for that matter—chooses the lowliest of tasks to show us the greatest kind of love.

24 feet later (yes, that’s 12 x 2), Jesus sits back down and says:

“And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” John 13:14-15 NLT

Does this mean you literally have to peel your buddies’ socks off and give them a foot bath right now? No, no. Go ahead and unplug your nose. It does mean, however, that you are willing to humble yourself to that place in order to serve and love others. 

The kind of love Jesus was about is a love that takes action. It doesn’t stay seated when there’s a need to be met or an opportunity to do good. This is why Jesus stood up from the table. Often, following Him will require us to take a stand when it’s easier to stay seated. Are you willing?

Jesus’ love is also a love that crosses lines. By taking off His robe and doing the job given to rookie servants, Jesus crossed all kinds of cultural lines. Following Him often means laying aside cultural norms and embracing a better way—the way of love.

Jesus’ love takes action, crosses lines, and goes the extra mile. Seriously, Jesus still washed their feet, even though He was about to carry a cross. Don’t miss this, because that’s ridiculous! Jesus knew He was about to literally go through hell, yet He chose to start that journey by lowering Himself to the place of a servant. Can you imagine all that was on His mind? All that was on His heart? And still, He washes every foot in the room. 

That’s so humbling and challenging to think about. This kind of love made Jesus altogether different. It makes us different too. No wonder that, later in this chapter, Jesus tells His followers that the world will know who He is by how we love. 

Challenge: So are we following Jesus’ example? Do we display His action-taking, line-crossing, extra mile-walking love? He showed us how. Who is someone who needs to experience His love today? How are you going to serve and sacrifice for them so that they can see Jesus?