The Act of Servanthood!

Most certainly we all know this task of our LORD in His last hours on this earth. Our LORD was on His way to Golgotha and knew exactly what was to be expected of HIM. HE would return to His Father after His completed work. This chapter begins with the observation that He knew about His last hour and He loved His disciples to the end. (He showed those who belonged to Him, on this earth, the extent of His love.) (KJV) - In countries in the Middle East, the frequent washing of feet due to the use of sandals, is customary. It is a normal courtesy extended by the host to provide for a slave to wash the feet of his guests. - Here the divine Host made Himself to servant, in that He carried out this low act of servanthood. JESUS at the feet of the traitor. “What a picture, what a lesson for us!” ( W. MacDonald) In what practical manner our LORD displays His love to us, what a service in humility and taking the lowly way. The LORD of Lords and KING of kings washes the feet of His disciples!

I would like to point out two further aspects:

1. Are we willing to serve and be available to others in this manner? (Titus 3:1) Do we see ourselves in the position of a servant and do we see others as being higher than what we are? (Philippians 2:3) Are we prepared to undertake unpleasant or difficult tasks in the Church or amongst ourselves which are also very time consuming? (Romans 12:4-8) - In the upper room, one or more of the disciples would probably have waited to see who would undertake to do this act of servanthood, as there were no servants there. - Are we prepared to deprive ourselves even though we are in the right and the other in the wrong? (1 Corinthians 6:7)

2. Our LORD washed the feet of His disciples. Peter wanted to be washed completely. But, our LORD said: “ ''He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.'' (KJV) Do we not pollute ourselves daily in the lost world! In the sphere of the devil! Our feet are – figuratively speaking – on “filthy soil” and thereby we have contact with the sinful world! Through the blood of the Lamb we are purified forever (Revelation 1:5). But, don't we dirty ourselves daily – consciously or subconsciously? Do we not commit sin in our daily lives and therefore need the cleansing of “our feet” by our LORD?

I wish us all a blessed day!

Karl-Heinz Bühnemann