Embracing Our Humble Savior

In a world that often prizes power and prestige, the example of Christ washing His disciples’ feet serves as a profound reminder of true greatness. The Gospel of John, particularly chapter 13, reveals a moment that turns conventional understanding of leadership on its head. Here, we witness the King of Kings not only humble Himself but demonstrate a radical model of love through servanthood.

As the speaker reflected, “Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.” This statement encapsulates the essence of Christ’s mission. In John 13:1, we see Jesus preparing for the impending culmination of His earthly work; He knows His hour is near. With a heart full of love, He pours Himself out in the humblest manner possible—by washing the feet of His disciples, including Judas, the betrayer.

The act of foot washing wasn’t merely a ceremonial gesture but a powerful declaration of the nature of Jesus’ love. In the culture of the time, foot washing was a task reserved for the lowest servants, yet Jesus, secure in His identity as the Son of God, took on this role freely. As noted in Luke 22, while the disciples debated who among them was the greatest, Jesus embodied the very opposite of their ambitions. He asked them, “Who is greater, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves?” (Luke 22:27). Yet, He was among them as one who serves.

Peter’s initial refusal to let Jesus wash his feet highlights a common misunderstanding of grace. “You shall never wash my feet,” Peter exclaimed (John 13:8). Yet, Jesus corrected him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me” (John 13:8). This interaction illustrates that to be close to Christ, we must first accept His cleansing grace. The speaker eloquently reminded us, “The stronger our identity in Christ, the more we will be able to serve others without feeling threatened.”

This principle calls for deep reflection. How often do we let societal standards of success cloud our understanding of service? Jesus invites us to a profound paradigm shift. Serving with humility reflects our understanding of the grace we’ve received. The speaker cited a poignant story about a leader who willingly became a caretaker for his ailing wife. He expressed that his commitment was not a burden, but a joyful privilege. This testament underscores the heart of servanthood—it’s not about keeping score or seeking accolades; it’s simply about loving and giving as we have been loved.

Jesus concluded His act of service with a call to action for His disciples: “You also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14). The foot washing may not be a ritual we observe today, particularly in a culture where our feet stay largely clean, but the essence of servanthood remains timeless. The challenge for us is to serve one another in ways that exemplify Jesus’ love and humility.

As we reflect on this teaching, let’s take a moment to consider how we can actively serve those around us—within our families, our communities, and in our church. Let’s pray for God to reveal to us specific opportunities to demonstrate His love through servanthood this week.

Remember, Jesus washed the feet of those He loved, and He calls us to do the same, showing grace and kindness even in the smallest acts.

Knox Evangelical Church, located in Old Strathcona just north of Whyte Avenue in Edmonton, welcomes you to join us in worship and community. To stay updated on our events, please check the Knox Event Calendar. Come and be part of a fellowship that seeks to follow Christ’s example of love and service.