basin and towel

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 13:5

Jesus led with humility and love. He showed that to His disciples when one of His last actions before His betrayal was to humbly wash the feet of His disciples at the Last Supper. I also believe Jesus to be the ultimate hero and perhaps the toughest man who ever lived. Yet in that mix of courage and love, Jesus cared to show His men the kind of humility it takes to love people well.

Jesus picked up a towel and a basin bowl of water and proceded to do the lowest household chore any host could provide. He washed the feet of every man in the room one by one. This was the task usually reserved for the lowest household servant. But Jesus, the Master of His disciples, set an example for them by doing what nobody else would do. And they learned from His humble service.

Disciplemakers have to adopt the humility of their Master. They are not afraid to stoop down and in love to care for the needs of those they serve. Nothing is beneath them if they adopt their Master’s posture seen in the basin and the towel. Caring for people’s needs at the simplest level is part of the call of Christ upon us. He made Himself nothing. He took upon Himself the form of a servant. And if we want to be like Jesus as we follow Him, it becomes less about our wants or comforts, and all about serving others like Jesus, the foot-washing Servant and Saviour of the world.

Jesus is a Savior Who serves and He calls those who deliver His saving message today to serve in humility and love. Nothing is beneath us as we live like Jesus.