Life: Is This It?Sample

Dirty Feet and Divinity 

What is your dream job? 

YouTube sensation? Professional Athlete? Doctor? A Marine Biologist or a Pilot? A Gamer? How about the guy that drives the Zamboni at NHL hockey arenas? 

There was a job in Jesus' day that no career counselor would ever suggest to an overachieving student; a job reserved for the lowest of the low when it comes to social status. 

This job was no dream. It was more of a nightmare. 

In Jesus’ day people wore open-toed sandals, the streets were filled with dirt, and animal manure would get caked onto the soles of weary travelers. Because of the mess, someone had to clean the guests’ feet when they arrived at the house. This was not pleasant work, and only the lowest ranking servant in the household would be required to do this task. 

That is what makes this story so shocking. Jesus, the Son of God, the Lord of everything, volunteers Himself for this position! 

Why?

Well, look at the first verse. “Having loved His own who were in the world, He now showed them the full extent of His love.” (vs.1)

You see love is more than getting “the feels.”

Love is an action.

Love is a choice. 

Love is more than words; love is passion that compels you to seek and serve other people. 

When we think of love we tend to imagine grand romantic gestures. You know, stuff like perfectly crafted text-messages with a copious number of heart emoticons, or extravagant prom proposals that go viral on social media.

But true love is often not glamorous. In fact, whether or not love is genuine is usually fleshed out in the nitty-gritty of life, in the details and monotony of the daily grind, in the small, consistent acts of kindness where we consider another person’s needs more important than our own. 

We see this in the character of Jesus. 

Jesus’ love led Him to willingly take the role of the lowest servant; He washes the muck and dried dirt off the feet of His disciples. Even more remarkable, He washes the feet of Judas, His soon-to-be betrayer. 

And Jesus does this as an example for us. “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (vs. 15).

Following Christ is not about status in the world’s eyes. The Christian life is about pouring yourself out in love for other people, all in response to what Jesus has done for us.

Life that is truly life is found in loving others as we have been loved. 

So when you think about your high schools, or the wider world beyond its walls, remember that Jesus has not called us to do something about everything. But He does invite us to do something about something. Or, better yet, Jesus calls us to do something about serving someone because that is what love does. 

So, what is your “something”? 

And who is the “someone” you are called to serve?