Written by David P. Nolte
Jesus did not wash His disciples' feet so that we would become foot-washers. That was not what He had in mind. Foot-washing was a cultural politeness extended to those who were footsore and needed the cleansing. The task was performed by a servant and was a lowly chore. Jesus was teaching a lesson, however. Read the entire context in John 13. Note that in Verse 7 Jesus said, "What I do you do not realize now, but you shall understand hereafter." Obviously they realized that He was washing feet; so the lesson is other than that. In John 13:15 He explained the lesson: "For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you." NOT "do what I did to you" but "do as I did to you." That is: "HUMBLY SERVE!"
If we want to be like Jesus, we won't put ourselves above any task because it is unpleasant, menial, demeaning, demanding or servile. If we think we are too good to do a particular thing, we fail to measure up at all!
If we want to be like our Lord, we will not consider anyone beneath our dignity. "Wash HIS feet? Not on your life? No way! Uh Uh! Forget it!" Not exactly a servant's attitude, certainly not Christ's.
If we want to be like our Savior, we will not set anyone apart as unworthy of our attention. We won't allow a grudge, pride, self-indulgence, apathy, or outright laziness to keep us from doing the right we know we ought to do.
Don't seek the crown of glory, seek the towel of service. If you want to be great in God's Kingdom, you must learn to be the servant of all.
Yours for serving as He taught us to!
Dave