Jesus knew the time was coming soon when He would give up His life for all humanity. So, before He and His disciples participated in a Passover meal together, He committed to action His teaching: that the greatest must be a servant.
“Among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:43-45
Jesus began to wash the feet of His disciples. The same hands that would soon be nailed to a cross, tenderly and lovingly washed and dried all twenty-four feet before He joined them at the table. It always has amazed me that He washed Judas’ feet, knowing that the devil at this point in time, had already prompted him to betray Jesus. But Jesus showed genuine love to each one of them, fully aligned with His character that never wavered from Who He was.
Jesus held an eternal perspective even in the face of natural circumstances. And He calls us to do the same. So often we can get caught up in things that don’t matter. But Jesus said, ”I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” – John 13:15
Personal sacrifice wasn’t just for the first disciples…but for ALL Jesus followers. Simply put, we’re to live, and operate just as Jesus did. Fully dependant on the Holy Spirit and fueled by the intimacy and love He had for His Heavenly Father, to know and obey the will that was for His life… right down to the details of washing His betrayer’s feet, along with all the others.
If we can keep the perspective that Jesus did – the eternal perspective – we will see things much differently in the natural realm. I believe we’ll also be able to do difficult things that we wouldn’t otherwise be able to do, as the Spirit of God leads us to them, through them, and for the purpose of bringing God glory, allowing His plans to prevail.
“Lord, help us to be women who are surrendered to Your will, Your ways, and to do to others as You’ve done for us. May we be the voice of Truth that draws others to know Your love. May our actions be genuine, full of love, and give You the glory. May our hearts be so in-tune with the Father’s heart that we desire nothing else but to live right in the middle of His perfect will. In Jesus’ name, Amen!”
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