‘Following Jesus’ Example’

Daily Devotional February 23rd

“Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:16-17)

Immediately prior to speaking these words, Jesus had just completed one of the most menial and humble of tasks—He had washed the disciples’ feet. To understand how significant this act was all we need do is consider Peter’s reaction. “No, Lord! You can’t wash my feet.” And then when Jesus insisted, Peter still argued, “Not just my feet!” The lesson Jesus was teaching His disciples at that moment, smacked against everything they thought they knew. Jesus was the Messiah, God’s promised Christ, God himself. Washing feet was servants’ work. And that was exactly Jesus’ point. As His followers, some of us may be great leaders (as I’m certain each of the Apostles viewed themselves), but we are first and foremost to be servants.

While the rest of the world is running around trying to get the most out of this life, Christ-followers are to be busy doing God’s business. We are to be following the example set for us by Jesus, spending our lives in service of Him. Jesus doesn’t want us striving for power, influence or even a good reputation. His first concern is that we become like Him, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45).
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How are you serving? Whose feet have you washed recently…not literally, but figuratively? Are some jobs, service and ministry beneath you? Then you haven’t learned the lesson that even Peter struggled with. Jesus came to serve. His followers are called to do the same. No job is too humble for anyone seeking Jesus’ blessing.
~ Pastor Jane