the example of humility

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?”

John 13:12

Jesus washed the feet of His disciples to set before them an example of humility. His modeling of humble service to the most basic of needs was meant to teach them to do the same. Following Jesus is not just about learning His teaching. It is about living His example. Will we truly divest our self-interest in the pursuit of care and kindness no matter the cost to ourselves? Will we be proud and selfish or will we be selfless and humble? That is what we must work through in believing Jesus left us an example.

Jesus was the “Lord and Master” of His disciples (John 13:13). And He, the Master, stooped to wash the feet of every disciple, even Judas, who was just hours away from betraying Him (John 13:14). His example compels disciples, who are by relationship required to follow their Teacher, to do the same (John 13:15-16). And furthermore, Jesus emphasizes that real blessing in the life of His followers comes not just from knowing the facts of His teaching, but from doing what He taught by His example (John 13:17).

So today, on this Good Friday, as Christians contemplate the humble sacrifice that Jesus, the supreme Servant and Savior, gave for us, let us also remember His example as He took the basin and the towel. He humbled Himself for us so that we in turn, like Him, would humble ourselves in service to others. People should see the kindness of Christ so they can see their need for the forgiveness of Christ so that in repentance and faith they may be transformed with the life of Christ. Without our humble service to them, how will this happen, especially in a cultural climate that is increasingly as hardened and jaded as ours? We must understand what Jesus has done in His humility. “…he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross…” (Philippians 2:8).