When we consider great examples of service, perhaps we think of those willing to give the ultimate sacrifice; their very life. Such individuals are heralded as heroes and we know our own Lord was willing to give Himself in that way on our behalf. However, the essence of a truly great servant is seen in the willingness to do a very broad range of things for others. Perhaps, like the 12 disciples, we have been slow to gain this proper perspective. (Note the discussion from Mark 9:33-37 which was closely followed by similar discussion in Mark 10:35-45) Focusing our attention on the life of Jesus, we should notice that the variableness of levels of service is where His example shone so brightly.
John recorded. . .
“(3)Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, (4) rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. (5) Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” (John 13:3-5 ESV)
Perhaps for most of us, once we have sat down to eat, we prefer not to have that plan interrupted. What we are willing to get up for on behalf of others reveals our genuine interest in serving them. That is unless we do so grumbling and muttering.
Dropping down a few verses we continue the reading. . .
“(12) When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? (13) You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. (14) If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. (15) For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” (John 13:12-15 ESV)
Jesus wasn’t seeking to have the disciples wash His feet, but to be willing to wash each other’s. They rightly acknowledged their Lords position. However, when they looked at each other they may have still been wondering where they individually fit into the “pecking order” under Jesus as His chosen ones. If this was the case, whatever they did could have become a reflection on the position they wanted to maintain in the eyes of the others. Even though they were receiving special power and position in Christ’s mission of seeking and saving the lost, they were not to view themselves as being above such service. As their Lord and Teacher, Jesus humbly exemplified the greatness of a good servant.
Peter struggled with allowing the Lord to wash his feet. (John 13:8-9) However, he eventually understood the concept of possessing the freedom to serve and urged others toward it.
We read. . .
“(15) For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. (16) Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” (1 Peter 2:15-16 ESV)
When Jesus — in His Sovereign greatness — was so willing to serve even in menial ways, why should we even think of refusing? No service that is needed should be seen as being below us. With all our privileges in Christ and the freedom that is ours because of Him, one of our greatest freedoms is that of serving others. May that spirit of Christ become more and more evident in our daily life!
Have a great day RECOGNIZING SERVICE AS A GOOD GIFT TO FREELY GIVE!
Carl
