Articles
Are you ready to wash feet?
John 13:3-5, “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under His power, and that
He had come from God and was returning to God; so He got up from the meal, took off His outer
clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and
began to wash His disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.”
This simple scene paints a powerful picture. They are meeting in the upper room
preparing to eat together for the last time before Jesus is crucified. They have been walking, their
feet are dirty and should have already been washed. They are most likely reclined around the
table. Jesus takes it upon Himself to do the job the lowest servant was supposed to do.
I can’t help but think that Jesus knowing who He was, and being confident, helped Him
perform this act of servitude. How often are we worried about how others will see us, or that they
might look down on us. How many of us let our pride get in the way of serving others? How
many times have we seen something that needed done, but something stops us?
This passage might help us find the strength to be the servant we need to be. The passage
in verse three starts by stating that Jesus knew who he was. He knew that God had put all things
in His power, and that He would be returning back to God soon. I can’t help but think that Jesus
had a confidence that for many of us would be hard to imagine.
Who are you? If you are a Christian, we can have a pretty good idea of what God says we
are. We are all sons of God (Galatians 3:26). We will all be given the strength we need
(Philippians 4:13). Jesus has gone on before us to prepare a place for us (John 14:3).
In a way it’s a lot like what John said that Jesus knew about Himself in verse three. We
often forget how special we are. If we know who we are, and understand the great and wonderful
things God has, is, and will do for us we wouldn’t worry so much about what the world thinks of
us. Having true self-worth that is grounded in God’s promises allows us to be the humble
servants we need to be ~B Tolbert
