March 19, 2002

SERVICE

"After washing their feet and taking his garments again, he sat down, 'Do you understand what I have done for you?' he asked" (John 13:12, NEB).

In the act of washing His disciples feet, Jesus not only expressed the importance of cleansing, He also demonstrated the importance of service, serving one another. He said, "You call me 'Master' and 'Lord' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Then if I, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. I have set you an example: you are to do as I have done for you. In very truth I tell you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor a messenger than the one who sent him. If you know this, happy are you if you act upon it" (John 13:13-17).

Jesus had spent His life in service for others. He reinforced this lesson time and again in His life. "Not to be ministered to, but to minister" (Matthew 20:28), had been the lesson of His every act. "I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent me" (John 5:30). "I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me" (John 6:38). Jesus' life was a life of service and His purpose was to do the will of God on our behalf. The disciples had not yet learned the lesson. At this Passover supper, Jesus repeated His teaching by an illustration that impressed it forever on their minds and hearts. And Jesus has shared with us this honor and privilege and pleasure of serving and becoming involved with Him in His ministry of service to others.

"I have set you an example" He said, "you are to do as I have done for you. --a servant is not greater than his master, nor a messenger than the one who sent him" (John 13:15, 16). Jesus is our 'Master' and 'Lord.' If we understand this, and if we learn to serve others, as Jesus has served us, then we will be blessed beyond comprehension. "If you know this, happy are you if you act upon it" (John 13:17).